DHA Plus Whey Protein Raises Omega-3 Levels in Female Soccer Players, With Mixed Effects on Performance

This four-month study followed 38 semi-professional female soccer players, comparing a group taking 1000 mg/day of algae-based DHA plus whey protein to a reference group receiving no supplement. Researchers tracked omega-3 blood levels, red blood cell characteristics, inflammation markers, and football-specific performance tests, while also monitoring menstrual cycle phase.

At the start, the players’ omega-3 index averaged just over 5%, considered suboptimal. After two and four months, the DHA group showed a clear rise in omega-3 index (reaching nearly 7%), along with temporary changes in red blood cell membrane composition and a decline in a marker of inflammation (MPO). Some blood cell measurements also differed between groups, though it’s unclear if this reflects the supplement or pre-existing differences.

Despite these biological changes, sprint, jump, and anaerobic threshold performance didn’t differ significantly between the supplemented and reference groups. However, players with higher omega-3 levels after the study tended to have better aerobic threshold scores, a weak but notable pattern that suggests a possible link between omega-3 status and endurance efficiency. Menstrual symptoms and hormone profiles were similar between groups.