Author(s): MALÁ, M., COKRTOVÁ, K., NOVÁKOVÁ, M., Institution: CASRI, Country: CZECH REPUBLIC, Abstract-ID: 1375

INTRODUCTION:
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), play an important role in cardiovascular health, inflammation control, and recovery processes, which are especially relevant for physically active individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in blood omega-3 fatty acid levels following two months of supplementation with a commercial fish oil supplement (Mollers) in elite athletes and in physically active adults under 30 years of age.
METHODS:
The study included elite athletes (n=6; 23-27 years old; mean training load 18 h/week) and a control group of physically active adults (n=6; 24-30 years old; mean physical activity 4 h/week), comprising both men and women. Participants consumed Mollers fish oil for 2 months at a dose of three capsules daily with meals, providing 417 mg EPA and 375 mg DHA (total n-3 PUFA ≈ 792 mg/day). Capillary blood samples were collected at baseline and after supplementation to determine the relative abundance of omega 3 fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes (alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), EPA, and DHA). At both time points, participants completed a food frequency questionnaire focused on omega-3-rich foods and a 3-day dietary record. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests to compare baseline and post-supplementation values within each group. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS:
Dietary omega-3 intake from food did not differ between groups (0.8 ± 1.3 g vs. 1.0 ± 0.4 g) and remained unchanged during the study. In elite athletes, ALA levels remained stable (1.8 ± 0.7 % baseline vs. 1.7 ± 0.4 % post-supplementation). EPA increased modestly (0.3 ± 0.1 % to 0.4 ± 0.1 %), while DHA significantly increased from 1.1 ± 0.2 % to 1.9 ± 0.6 % (p < 0.05). In the general population, ALA showed no significant change (1.8 ± 0.7 % to 2.2 ± 0.7 %). EPA rose significantly from 0.3 ± 0.1 % to 0.7 ± 0.2 % (p < 0.01), and DHA increased from 1.3 ± 0.3 % to 2.2 ± 0.2 % (p < 0.01).
CONCLUSION:
Two months of supplementation with approximately 800 mg/day of EPA and DHA significantly increased blood omega-3 levels in both elite athletes and physically active adults, with a more pronounced response observed in the non-athlete group, particularly for EPA. The smaller changes observed in athletes may be related to higher metabolic demands associated with intensive training. These findings suggest that regular omega-3 supplementation improves omega-3 status in young adults; however, optimal dosing may differ between athletes and physically active individuals.