Nutritional Optimization for Brain Health in Contact Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Long-Chain ω-3 Fatty Acids and Neurofilament Light.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Accumulating evidence has highlighted the acute and chronic impact of repetitive subconcussive head impacts (rSHIs) in contact sports. Neurofilament-light (Nf-L), a brain-derived biomarker of neuroaxonal injury, elevates in concert with rSHI. Recently, long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC ω-3 PUFAs) supplementation has been suggested to mitigate brain injury from rSHI as reflected by attenuation of Nf-L concentrations within contact sport athletes.

Objective

Using a systematic review with a meta-analysis, we aimed to determine the effect of LC ω-3 PUFA supplementation on Nf-L concentrations in athletes routinely exposed to rSHI.

Methods

Electronic databases (PubMed and CINAHL) were searched from inception through January 2024. One-stage meta-analy

SUBMITTER: Heileson JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11489149 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature