The Omega-3 Index in Military Personnel: A Systematic Review

Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFA), primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have received considerable interest from the scientific community as a dietary strategy to enhance physical performance, recovery, and neuroprotection in addition to the well-established role of supporting cardiovascular health. Given that military personnel are routinely subjected to psychologically and physiologically (e.g., cardiovascular, musculoskeletal) stressful environments, LC n-3 PUFA intake may represent a simple, yet meaningful, nutritional intervention to support Warfighter health and fitness. Dietary EPA + DHA, via fish or supplement, can be reliably tracked using the omega-3 index (O3i), which is the relative amount of EPA + DHA in red blood cells (RBC) expressed as a percentage of total fatty acids. The purpose of this systematic review was to establish a baseline O3i status in active duty military personnel with the intent of providing actionable evidence-based nutrition recommendations.

Three databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Omega-3 Clinical Study Database) were searched systematically. A total of 645 articles were screened, of which 11 studies (13 observations) were eligible for inclusion. Non-RBC EPA + DHA (e.g., plasma) was converted to the O3i via validated equations. Data were reported as pooled mean O3i and analyzed based on service type (e.g., Army, Air Force).

Based on 11 studies (13 total observations) composed of 3,615 military personnel, the average O3i was 3.18% (95% CI: 3.15, 3.21) and ranged from 2.47% and 4.62%. Most observations reported an average O3i <4% (76.9%). The Army (combined), U.S. Army only, and Special Forces personnel had O3i <4%, whereas Austrian Army and Air Force personnel had an O3i between 4% and 5%.

Military personnel, without exception, exhibit suboptimal O3i. Achieving optimal O3i is a low cost, modifiable risk factor that can be used in conjunction with traditional medicine and appropriate training to support the military mission and the health and performance of military personnel. Given what we know about LC n-3 PUFAs and the present suboptimal O3i in military personnel, it is paramount that Defense organizations acknowledge the supporting evidence and implement policies and strategies to promote change.

None, but systematic review registration (PROSPERO): CRD42023410361.