The BART Foundation aims to promote better outcomes for brain injury survivors by answering three questions: Which alternative therapies are likely to work, where can they be found, and how can they be afforded? We fulfill our mission by carefully monitoring global research and clinical trial outcomes and sharing that information in user-friendly language with the TBI/ABI community.
Omega 3 oil supplementation is one of the safe alternative therapies that we at the BART Foundation believe may result in better outcomes for brain injury survivors. This article, presented in the journal Nutrients (January 2025) provides a systematic review to evaluate the evidence of Omega-3 fatty acids to support physical and mental resilience and overall performance in military service members.
Military service members face distinctive physical and mental challenges that define them as a specialized population. The combination of strenuous physical activity, sustained mental focus, and operational stress requires high resilience, making optimal health and performance a priority for military readiness. This level of demand often leads to increased wear on the body and mind, making it necessary to explore nutritional strategies that can support both physical and cognitive function. Notably, omega-3 fatty acids have gained attention due to their supportive role in cardiovascular function, cognitive function, injury prevention and treatment, and recovery from strenuous exercise. All of these health outcomes are crucial to maintaining peak performance under demanding situations.
Sixty-one studies that focused on military service members were included in this review. The results highlighted evidence-based findings in five key areas where omega-3 fatty acids are being evaluated to benefit military service members. These key areas include cardiopulmonary function, exercise recovery, cognitive function, injury recovery, and strength and power. While existing research suggests promising benefits, the most significant evidence was seen with cardiopulmonary function, exercise recovery, and cognitive function.
Conclusions: Current research is promising and shows potential benefits. Future research is needed to determine the optimal Omega-3 dose across the various performance outcomes.
Using Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Heal Brain Injuries
Omega-3 oils are widely available but not of uniform quality. Dr. Michael Lewis, a thought leader in this area of research and a member of the BART Foundation advisory board, recommends using only fish oils that have been double-distilled and, preferably, reconstituted in their original triglyceride form.
Barlean’s Oils, a source of premium quality essential oils, has generously agreed to make its oils available at a steep discount to ABI survivors who find themselves on a tight budget. Details of this unique charitable program, including how one qualifies for the discount, are available from Barlean’s at 1-800-445-FLAX. Be sure to mention “The BART Foundation’s Discount” when you speak with a customer service representative.
Working to bring this sort of discount program to life is part of the BART Foundation’s core mission. Barlean’s generosity and benevolence pays for the discount, for which we honor and salute them. Our foundation has no financial interest in and receives no compensation from Barlean’s.
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