Increasing the Omega-3 Index of Endurance Trained Adults: A Pilot Study Comparing Microencapsulated Algae to Fish Powders Provided as Chewable Tablets

Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (LCn-3PUFA), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), support heart function during exercise and recovery by incorporating into the cardiac cell membranes. Traditionally sourced from fish and fish oil, algae-derived LCn-3PUFA have become alternative in supplemental forms. This study evaluated whether 12 weeks supplementation of a microencapsulated algal oil, delivered as chewable tablets, would perform equivalently to fish-derived LCn-3PUFA in boosting the Omega-3 Index (O3I; erythrocyte membrane EPA + DHA%) of endurance athletes. Sixteen endurance-training adults (13 males, 3 females) supplemented daily microencapsulated chewable tablets (6/d) with fish-oil (FO; 142 mg/d EPA + 631 mg/d DHA) or algal-oil (AO; 21 mg/d EPA + 595 mg/d DHA) for 12 weeks. Baseline body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance, and whole blood fatty acid profiles were evaluated before and after supplementation. Additionally, participants maintained a self-recorded weekly training diary. Fat mass (%) was equivalent between the groups (FO: 9.18 ± 4.78%; AO: 9.94 ± 5.09%; P > 0.05). Weekly training times were also comparable (FO: 568 ± 242 minutes; AO: 579 ± 208 minutes; P > 0.05), and initial O3I were comparable between groups. Both groups showed significant post-supplementation increases in O3I (FO: pre, 4.85 ± 0.42%, post, 6.48 ± 0.52%; AO: pre, 4.30 ± 0.54%, post, 6.06 ± 0.70%; P < 0.01 within each group) and there was no significant difference in post-supplementation O3I levels between the groups (P = 0.467). In the context of endurance exercise training, algal-derived LCn-3PUFA (~600 mg/d EPA + DHA delivered as a chewable tablet) were equally as effective as those derived from fish in terms of elevating the body’s O3I over 3 months. Athletes following a plant-based diet may indeed consider an algal source of LCn-3PUFA as part of their whole diet quality and the attainment of EPA and DHA.