RecruitingACTRN12625000336482

Mussels as a snack option to increase the omega-3 index and markers of recovery in female endurance athletes

The Effect of Mussel Consumption on Omega-3 Index and Recovery Markers in Female Endurance Athletes

Sponsor

Deakin University

Enrollment

22 participants

Start Date

Sep 3, 2025

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Post-exercise recovery

Summary

This study aims to investigate whether eating mussels as a snack can improve recovery and nutritional status in female endurance athletes. Participants will consume either mussels or an isocaloric portion of nuts five times per week for 12 weeks. We will measure omega-3 index, iron status, vitamin D levels, and post-exercise recovery to compare the effects of the two snacks. We hypothesise that mussel consumption will lead to greater improvements in these health markers compared to nuts. The findings may help support new dietary strategies to enhance athletic recovery using sustainable whole foods.

Eligibility

Sex: FemalesMin Age: 18 YearssMax Age: 50 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

Female endurance athletes often struggle to meet their nutritional needs — particularly for omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and vitamin D — which are important for both performance and recovery. This study is exploring whether eating mussels as a regular snack five times per week for 12 weeks can improve these nutritional markers and support faster recovery after training, compared to eating an equivalent serving of nuts. Mussels are a nutrient-dense, sustainable whole food rich in omega-3s, iron, and zinc. Researchers will measure changes in omega-3 levels, iron status, vitamin D, and post-exercise recovery markers in blood samples taken throughout the study. You may be eligible if you are a female endurance athlete (cyclist, runner, or triathlete) aged 18 to 50, based in Victoria, with at least two years of training history and more than five hours of exercise per week. You must have regular menstrual cycles or be on stable hormonal contraception. Women who are vegetarian, vegan, allergic to shellfish or nuts, or who regularly eat shellfish or oily fish are not eligible.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

Participants will be randomly allocated to one of two study arms. Those in the intervention group (Mussel snack group) will consume 90 grams of cooked, vacuum-packed blue mussels as a snack on five non-consecutive days per week for 12 weeks. Mussels will be provided in pre-portioned, food-safe packaging and stored in dedicated food-only refrigerators. Participants will be given safe storage instructions and simple preparation ideas to support adherence, but no specific cooking method is required. Mussels are provided as a whole food source rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, iron, and other key micronutrients. All participants will maintain their usual diet and training routine. Adherence will be monitored through daily self-reported tallies via REDCap and biweekly food records using the Easy Diet Diary app. Both groups will undergo baseline and post-intervention testing at Deakin University (Burwood or Waurn Ponds), including DEXA body composition scans, venous blood sampling at Dorevitch Pathology, and finger-prick blood tests. The intervention is not personalised or titrated, and all data collection and support will be managed by trained research staff, including an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD).

Locations(1)

VIC, Australia

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ACTRN12625000336482