The Omega-3 Index in Military Personnel: A Systematic Review
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFA), primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have received considerable interest from the scientific community as a dietary strategy to enhance physical performance, recovery, and neuroprotection in addition to the well-established role of supporting cardiovascular health. Given that military personnel are routinely subjected to psychologically and physiologically (e.g., cardiovascular, musculoskeletal) stressful environments, LC n-3 PUFA intake may represent a simple, yet meaningful, nutritional intervention to support Warfighter health and fitness. Dietary EPA + DHA, via fish or supplement, can be reliably tracked using the omega-3 index (O3i), which is the relative amount of EPA + DHA in red blood cells (RBC) expressed as a percentage of total fatty acids. The purpose of this systematic review was to establish a baseline O3i status in active duty military personnel with the intent of providing actionable evidence-based nutrition recommendations.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Three databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Omega-3 Clinical Study Database) were searched systematically. A total of 645 articles were screened, of which 11 studies (13 observations) were eligible for inclusion. Non-RBC EPA + DHA (e.g., plasma) was converted to the O3i via validated equations. Data were reported as pooled mean O3i and analyzed based on service type (e.g., Army, Air Force).
RESULTS
Based on 11…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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