Skip to content

Study note

Effects of 12 Wk of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation in Long-Distance Runners.

PMID 36161864 (2023): omega, fatty — Running economy (study note for endurance athletes).

Updated Jul 22, 2026

Read the study note
On this page

Study note • PMID 36161864

Effects of 12 Wk of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation in Long-Distance Runners.

Medicine and science in sports and exercise • 2023 • DOI 10.1249/MSS.0000000000003038
Open on PubMedOpen full text

How to use this page

This note summarizes one study record. Check the participants, methods, results, and limitations before applying it to training.

  • • Design signal: controlled study.
  • • Population relevance: mixed/unclear athlete specificity.
  • • Consistency: single-study evidence.
  • • Practical recommendation depends on tolerance, context, and whether it protects training consistency.

ELI5

In plain language

This study aimed to investigate the effects of 12 wk of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation during endurance training on omega-3 index (O3I) and indicators of running performance in amateur… (controlled study; n=14 runners).

The abstract suggests a positive effect on Running economy under the tested conditions. Treat this as a signal, not a guarantee; confirm methods and context in the full paper.

Takeaways

What the abstract suggests

  • • Study question: This study aimed to investigate the effects of 12 wk of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation during endurance training on omega-3 index (O3I) and indicators of running performance in amateur…
  • • The abstract suggests a positive effect on Running economy under the tested conditions.
  • • Population: n=14 runners.
  • • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 2234 mg • 916 mg • 4000 mg.

Protocol

Protocol (as reported)

  • • Intervention/exposure: omega, fatty (vs placebo).
  • • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 2234 mg • 916 mg • 4000 mg.
  • • Outcomes: Running economy.
  • • Replication note: abstracts often omit adherence and timing; confirm details before changing training or supplementation.

Fit

Who it may help, and who should be cautious

Who it helps

  • • Athletes similar to the study population (n=14 runners) working on biomechanics.
  • • Athletes who can measure Running economy with a repeatable workout or time-trial effort.

Who should be cautious

  • • If you have symptoms or conditions that make the intervention risky, get professional guidance.
  • • If you’re near race day and can’t safely test, defer the experiment.

Methods

What the study actually did

  • • Design: controlled study (placebo-controlled).
  • • Population: n=14 runners.
  • • Comparator: placebo.
  • • Outcomes measured: Running economy.
  • • Protocol cues mentioned: 2234 mg • 916 mg • 4000 mg.
  • • Source: PubMed PMID 36161864 (2023) — Medicine and science in sports and exercise.

Results excerpt

What the abstract reports

“O3I was significantly increased in the OMEGA group (from 5.8% to 11.6%, P < 0.0001).”

Note: excerpts are short; for full context, read the paper.

Limits

Limitations and bias

  • • Abstract-only summaries can miss critical details (population, protocol, adherence, and context).
  • • Single studies often don’t generalize to your event, history, and training load; treat results as a starting point.
  • • If your context differs (elite vs recreational; cycling vs running), adjust expectations and be conservative.
  • • This is performance information, not medical advice.

A changed biomarker was not a faster 1,500 metres

Twenty-six amateur male long-distance runners aged at least 29 took omega-3 or placebo capsules during 12 weeks of endurance training. The omega-3 group increased its omega-3 index and the abstract reports changes in some laboratory performance measures. The intervention did not improve the 1,500-metre run time.

That split matters. A biomarker, VO2peak, or running-economy signal is not automatically a race-performance result. The small male sample, concurrent training, specific supplement dose, short race test, and pooled correlation analysis limit what can be inferred for other runners or distances. Review the exact groups and outcomes in the PubMed record and open full text.

For a supported running goal, do not add this supplement simply to chase a laboratory number. First identify the actual training or nutrition problem, protect the basics of food quality, energy availability, sleep, and consistent training, and use a qualified clinician or sports dietitian when supplementation, health conditions, pregnancy, medication, or adverse effects make the decision uncertain. Do not copy the study dose without individual guidance.

Adaptive AI coach for iPhone

Meet your adaptive AI coach.

Tell your coach what you are training for. It builds the plan, follows the work you complete, and adapts upcoming training when recovery, your schedule, or real life changes.

Start training now

Keep going

Performance Science Lab

Research summaries for endurance athletes, with study context, practical protocols, and clear limitations.

Biomechanics performance research

Biomechanics changes can help — but most athletes should start with strength, cadence, and pacing.

Running economy research for endurance athletes

Economy is the cost of speed. Small improvements compound over long races.

Sources