In‐season docosahexaenoic acid supplementation does not prevent white matter damage during a single American football season: Implications for neurodegeneration prevention

Repetitive sub‐concussive head impacts (RSHIs) are common in American football, result in changes to white matter microstructural integrity, and are suggested as a potential risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. RSHI‐induced white matter degradation may accelerate neurodegenerative processes, necessitating effective preventative and therapeutic approaches in this population. Prior studies indicate potential neuroprotective and remyelinating effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Here, we conducted a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial to assess the effects DHA supplementation during a National Collegiate Athletic Association football season on neuroimaging measures of white matter integrity.