Most Elite Australian Athletes Have Low Omega-3 Levels for Heart Health
This study measured blood omega-3 levels (the “Omega-3 Index”) in 595 highly trained and elite Australian athletes across 17 sports, using a finger-prick blood test and a food questionnaire about seafood and omega-3 intake.
On average, athletes scored 5.88%, well below the 8% level that researchers associate with lower cardiovascular disease risk. Only about 7% of athletes reached that 8% mark, while most fell in the 4-6% range. Men had somewhat higher levels than women.
Athletes who reported taking an omega-3 supplement (about 1 in 5) had noticeably higher blood levels than non-users. Overall daily intake of combined DHA and EPA (the main omega-3 fats found in fish oil) was low, with a typical intake of only about 261 mg per day, and nearly three-quarters of athletes consuming less than 500 mg per day.
What this means for you
This research suggests that many elite athletes, despite generally healthy lifestyles, may not be getting enough long-chain omega-3s from food alone, and that those using omega-3 supplements tended to have higher blood levels. It highlights an area where diet or supplementation could help close a nutritional gap, though this study only observed associations and did not test whether raising omega-3 intake changes cardiovascular outcomes.
Ready to start? The ALP Protocol delivers the EPA & DHA doses used in the research.
Start the ALP ProtocolThis summary is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement routine.