biostudies-literatureUnknown8(10)Heileson JL<h4>Background</h4>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.<h4>Objective</h4>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.<h4>Methods</h4>Electronic databases (PubMed and CINAHL) were searched from inception through January 2024. One-stage meta-analyCurrent developments in nutrition104454https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11489149biostudies-literatureNutritional Optimization for Brain Health in Contact Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Long-Chain ω-3 Fatty Acids and Neurofilament Light.PMC11489149Macartney MJWatson NLSergi TEPeoples GEAnthony RHeileson JLJagim ARfalseNutritional Optimization for Brain Health in Contact Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Long-Chain ω-3 Fatty Acids and Neurofilament Light.<h4>Background</h4>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.<h4>Objective</h4>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.<h4>Methods</h4>Electronic databases (PubMed and CINAHL) were searched from inception through January 2024. One-stage meta-analy2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Oct2025-04-04T02:54:31.164Z2025-04-04T02:54:31.164ZS-EPMC114891493942950810.1016/j.cdnut.2024.104454