Elite speed skaters need to be able to generate a high peak power output and to sustain a high power output for the duration of the race; they therefore combine resistance-type training with endurance training. Combining these training modalities results in a smaller increment in muscle strength than when only resistance-type training is performed. An increase in, among others, myoglobin concentration can possibly reduce this interference effect. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and hypoxia may increase myoglobin expression. As, speed skating is by nature a sport in which the active leg muscles become easily hypoxic; the goal of this study was to investigate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on speed-skating performance and performancedetermining variables. Competitive speed skaters (n=27) were, based on performance and , randomly assigned to the placebo (corn oil) or experimental group (2400 mg omega-3 fatty acids per day). Speed skaters performed a maximal incremental test, jump tests, a Wingate, and a 3000-m skating race before and after a ~7-weeks supplementation period. The magnitude-based inferences approach was used for the statistical analysis. The average change in 3000-m speed-skating performance time, due to the supplementation period, was -0.5±2.2% in the placebo group and -0.7±2.3% in the experimental group. The difference in change scores between groups was unclear (-0.2%, 90% CL 2.2%). A likely positive effect of the intervention was found on squat jump height (difference in change scores 4.9%, 90% CL 4.2%), with likely and very likely negative effects on at the ventilatory threshold (difference in change scores -6.9%, 90% CL 6.4%) and (difference in change scores -5.5%, 90% CL 3.4%), respectively. In conclusion, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation resulted in an unclear effect on speed-skating performance. The chances on a possibly negative effect, trivial effect, and positive effect on performance were 32%, 27%, and 41%, respectively. In addition, omega-3 supplementation resulted in negative effects on aerobic performance-determining variables and variable effects (unclear, trivial or likely positive) on anaerobic performance-determining variables. Therefore, speed skaters are advised not to consume omega-3 supplements in a dose of 2400 mg per day.
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