Effects of Omega-3 Supplementation on Exercise Performance, Body Composition, and Appetite Status in Female Athletes

Volleyball is a sport that requires high performance and aims to increase endurance. The intense training and competition tempo of athletes directs them to special nutritional needs. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and positive effects on the cardiovascular system, and provide potential contributions such as supporting exercise performance, reducing stress levels and improving body composition in athletes. However, studies examining the effects of omega-3 on female volleyball players are rare in the literature. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of omega-3 supplementation on exercise performance, body composition and appetite status in 2nd league women\'s volleyball team athletes. The research group consists of female volleyball players over the age of 18. The potential effects of the recommended level of omega-3 supplementation added to the daily nutrition programs of female athletes without changing their routine nutrition programs will be evaluated in the study. A single-blind placebo method will be used in this experimental and randomized controlled study. After the participants have a diet low in omega-3 for 2 weeks, they will be divided into two groups; The experimental group will be given 2 capsules of omega-3 supplements with breakfast for eight weeks, while the control group will be given a placebo capsule. This study aims to contribute to the literature on the effects of omega-3 supplements on athlete performance and to better understand the role of nutritional supplements on physiological parameters in female volleyball players. Anthropometric measurements of the athletes will be taken at the beginning of the intervention, every two weeks during the intervention, and at the end of the intervention, and a 24-hour retrospective food consumption record, a simplified nutritional appetite questionnaire, muscle pain assessment, and a muscle endurance test will be applied. The collected study data will be analyzed using SPSS 20.0 statistical analysis software. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test will be used to assess the normality of the data. Percentage, mean, and standard deviation calculations will be used in the analysis of the findings obtained in the study; appropriate statistical analyzes will be performed to examine the relationship between the independent variables of the control and experimental groups and exercise performance, body composition, and appetite status.