A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Whole Blood Long-Chain ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Its Relationship with Dietary Intake, Body Composition, and Measures of Strength and Power in Collegiate Athletes.

Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC ω-3 PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have received widespread interest from the athletic community for their potential roles in physical performance and recovery. The purpose of this cross-sectional analysis was to evaluate the dietary intake and whole blood ω-3 PUFAs and their relationship with body composition, strength, and power in collegiate athletes.Thirty-six athletes completed a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan for body composition analysis (n = 35), ω-3 PUFAs food frequency questionnaire (n = 27), provided dried blood spot samples (n = 30) to quantify the Omega-3 Index (O3I) and total ω-3 PUFAs content, handgrip strength (n = 17), and countermovement jump (n = 26) testing.