A Nationwide Study of NCAA Division I Athletes
Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for heart, brain, joint, and eye health — and their importance extends to athletes as well. A recent study published in PLOS One explored the omega-3 status of NCAA Division I student-athletes across a broad range of sports. Despite their active lifestyles and access to nutritional guidance, the study found that most participants fell short of the recommended 500 mg/day intake of omega-3s EPA and DHA, as set by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Worryingly, none of the athletes who submitted blood samples reached the optimal Omega-3 Index of 8%, which is associated with the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease and supports overall performance and recovery.
Who Participated in the Study?
The study involved 1,528 student-athletes aged 18 and older from the “Power 5” NCAA conferences (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, PAC-12, SEC), playing in 34 different sports. Each participant completed a detailed dietary questionnaire, and approximately 300 also took an Omega-3 Index test — a measure of EPA and DHA levels in red blood cell membranes.
This research represented one of the largest and most comprehensive evaluations of omega-3 intake in collegiate athletes to date.
What the Omega-3 Index Test Revealed
The Omega-3 Index test calculates the percentage of EPA and DHA in red blood cell membranes. Levels between 8% and 12% are considered optimal, offering protective benefits for heart, brain, and overall cellular health.
The results? The average Omega-3 Index among tested athletes was only 4.3%. Even among athletes who consumed fish twice a week or took supplements, none reached the 8% target.
Those who took omega-3 supplements had slightly higher scores (4.7%) than those who didn’t (3.7%), but the gap was modest. The average benefit for each additional seafood serving per week was only a 0.27% increase in Omega-3 Index, suggesting that dietary sources alone may not be sufficient — especially for active individuals with higher physiological demands.
Dietary Patterns and Supplement Use
While 40% of athletes reported eating fish at least twice weekly, their intake was typically limited to salmon and shrimp. Most relied on plant-based sources of ALA, such as canola oil, walnuts, chia, and flaxseed — which are poorly converted to the more bioavailable EPA and DHA.
Only 15% of athletes reported taking omega-3 supplements, and most were unable to recall specifics about brand, form, or dose — a missed opportunity for personalized nutrition.
That’s where high-quality fish oil products like Ballstad Omega-3 stand out. With clinically backed purity and potency, Ballstad ensures optimal absorption of EPA and DHA — making it easier for athletes to reach ideal Omega-3 Index levels and perform at their best.
Why Omega-3 Research in Athletes Matters
Before 2019, NCAA regulations prevented athletic departments from supplying omega-3 supplements unless prescribed. Following the rule change, interest and accessibility increased, yet most athletes still fall short of ideal omega-3 status.
Athletes place unique metabolic and inflammatory stress on their bodies — from injury recovery to cognitive performance and immune support. As such, the optimal intake of omega-3s for athletes may exceed the general population’s needs. This study strongly supports the use of targeted omega-3 supplementation to close this gap.
Running and Omega-3: A Surprising Link
Another study, this one focused on non-elite runners, found that weekly running distance negatively correlated with Omega-3 Index levels. The more participants ran, the lower their EPA and DHA concentrations — alongside an increase in their AA/EPA ratio (a biomarker of inflammation).
This suggests endurance activities may deplete essential fatty acid reserves, raising the need for regular omega-3 replenishment.
Ballstad Omega-3 is an ideal choice for athletes and endurance enthusiasts seeking to counteract inflammation and maintain optimal cardiovascular and neurological function — especially during periods of intense training.
Conclusion: Optimizing Athletic Performance with Omega-3
This growing body of evidence reveals a widespread omega-3 deficiency among athletes, regardless of sport or gender. Even those following dietary recommendations or supplementing show room for improvement. For performance, recovery, and long-term health, targeting an Omega-3 Index of 8% should be the goal.
Ballstad Omega-3 offers a reliable and effective way to bridge this nutritional gap. Whether you're an elite competitor or a weekend warrior, ensuring sufficient intake of EPA and DHA is essential to unlock your full potential — both mentally and physically.
