Studies on omega-3 (ALA, EPA, and DHA) supplementation have shown an increase in muscle mass and VO2 max levels by increasing serum nitric oxide (NO) and inhibiting the inflammatory agent, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL-6), and inflammatory cytokines. However, several studies actually have contradictory results, so further research is needed in this regard. This study aims to analyze the relationship between intake of omega-3 fatty acids (ALA, EPA, DHA) with muscle mass and VO2 max level in Unesa semi-professional soccer athletes. This study used a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional research design and total sampling technique. Respondents who participated in this study were Unesa semi-professional athletes, totaling 21 people. The research was conducted on the Unesa Faculty of Sport and Health football field. The instruments used in this study were the Omega-3 Semi Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQFFQ) which has been validated with a correlation coefficient of r=0.37 and a Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) muscle mass measurement. The data analysis applied was Spearman's rank for ordinal scale data, while for interval scale data Pearson analysis was used. The relationship between omega-3 intake, whether ALA, EPA, or DHA, did not have a significant relationship with outcome (p-value: 0.373, ρ: -0.205), (p-value 0.167, ρ: 0.313), (p-value: 0.369, ρ: 0.207 ) in a row. Insignificant results were also found in the relationship between ALA, EPA, and DHA with VO2 max levels which had results (p-value: 0.199 , r: 0.292), (p-value: 0.692, r: 0.092), (p-value 0.788, r: 0.062) respectively.
Key Words: ALA, EPA, DHA, Muscle Mass, VO2 Max