Evidence check: APOE in the context of Sport

APOE variants (ε2, ε3, ε4) are primarily studied for their role in lipid metabolism and Alzheimer's disease risk. In the context of sport, evidence is limited and mostly mechanistic: ε4 carriers may have less favorable lipid profiles and potentially higher risk of cognitive decline after traumatic brain injury. However, direct studies on athletic performance, recovery, or injury susceptibility are scarce. The evidence level is 'mechanistic' because it relies on extrapolation from non-sport populations. A DNA test for APOE alone cannot guide training or nutrition recommendations. Athletes should prioritize evidence-based practices: balanced diet, adequate sleep, and periodized training. APOE genotyping might be considered as part of a broader health assessment, but not for sport-specific optimization. No strong human studies support using APOE to personalize sport interventions.