Omega 3 fatty acids are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. This is particularly important for athletes, as exercise can lead to muscle damage and inflammation.

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Adequate consumption of omega 3s can help reduce inflammation, promote muscle recovery and reduce soreness after exercise. Additionally, omega 3 can also help improve cardiovascular function by increasing vasodilation and reducing blood pressure. This can be especially beneficial for athletes who participate in endurance sports such as marathons or triathlons.

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Another benefit of omega 3 for athletes is its potential to improve cognitive function. Some studies have shown that adequate consumption of omega 3 can help improve memory, concentration and learning ability. This can be beneficial for athletes who need to be in their best mental state to compete.

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It is worth noting that no benefits of fish oil supplements have been observed on resistance exercise performance, training adaptations, muscle strength, or lung function (except in cases of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB)).

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Fish oil contains two omega-3 fatty acids that seem particularly important: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Dietary sources of DHA and EPA are fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, trout, and shellfish such as mussels, oysters and crabs. Several nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is another omega-3 fatty acid that can be transformed into EPA and DHA.

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Training has been found to lead to improvements in omega 3 status, i.e. increased docosahexaenoic acid (DHA (22:6n–3)) content of cell membranes, which can result in athletes, due to years of training, with less or no need for supplementation with fish oil supplements. So no, not every athlete should supplement .

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We must first measure omega 3 status to capture fatty acid profiles that give us greater objectivity in answering whether a given athlete would benefit from supplementation; Certainly, avoiding deficiencies is essential. Remembering that athletes who follow a vegan diet are at high risk of DHA and EPA inadequacy. Second, we must monitor the athlete's omega-3 status periodically to allow for adjustments when necessary and recognize that DHA and EPA can have significant positive effects on the athlete's physiology.

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In summary, omega-3 is an important nutrient for athletes due to its ability to reduce inflammation, improve cardiovascular and cognitive function, and promote muscle recovery. We must ensure we consume enough omega 3 in our diet, whether through high-quality foods or supplements.

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Helge JW, WuBJ, Willer M, Daugaard JR, Storlien LH, Kiens B. Training affects muscle phospholipid fatty acid composition in humans. Journal of Applied Physiology 2001; 90(2): 670-7.