Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for the management of age- and disease-related declines in skeletal muscle mass, strength and physical function

Abstract

Purpose of review This review uses the hierarchy of evidence as a framework to critically evaluate the effect of long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCn-3 PUFA) ingestion alone, or as an adjunctive intervention to resistance training, on muscle health-related outcomes in healthy and clinical older adult populations. Recent findings Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials consistently report small, but clinically-relevant, effects of LCn-3 PUFA ingestion on strength outcomes, whereas mixed findings have been reported regarding changes in muscle mass and physical function. Cohort studies indicate an association between higher dietary LCn-3 PUFA intake and reduced likelihood of a sarcopenia diagnosis. Acute metabolic studies provide limited evidence for an effect of LCn-3 PUFA ingestion alone, or in combination with resistance training, on free-living integrated rates of MPS, static markers of muscle protein breakdown, or satellite cell activation in healthy older adults. Summary Recent data supports the efficacy of LCn-3 PUFA ingestion to facilitate small, but clinically relevant, improvements in muscle strength in healthy and clinical older adult populations. The mechanism(s) that underpin the action of LCn-3 PUFA in promoting strength outcomes remain unknown, but likely relate to neuromuscular function.

Omega-3 polyunsatured fatty acids and physical performance across the lifespan: a narrative review

“…Most studies on omega-3 PUFAs have been primarily focused on cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying muscle protein metabolism ( 45 ). Accordingly, the main mechanisms through which omega-3 PUFAs could benefit muscle parameters seem to be (1) both anti-catabolic and anabolic effects on muscle protein synthesis (2) modulation of insulin sensitivity (3) amelioration of mitochondrial functioning, inflammation and muscle fiber contractile properties (4) neuroprotective and motor neuron excitability properties ( 46 ).…”

Editorial: Quantitative and qualitative aspects of lipids and lipoproteins in health and disease: nutrition, physiology and genetics

“…There is increasing interest in the potential role of the bioactive omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to support skeletal muscle mass and function, mainly through regulation of muscle protein turnover [4,5], effects which would be important in ageing, in many clinical conditions and in athletes. Phillips et al [6] provide an update on literature in this area. Some recent cohort studies support that higher intake of EPA and DHA is associated with lower risk of sarcopenia, but these are limited by small sample size and inability to demonstrate causality.…”

“…It is well described that EPA and DHA are associated with improved physiology, organ function and resilience and better health and have roles decreasing risk of many diseases and even as a therapy in some [10][11][12]. The articles by Phillips et al [6] and Kerman et al [9] emphasise the role of EPA and DHA in human health and well being. The main dietary source of EPA and DHA is seafood especially cold water fatty fish and human uses of EPA and DHA compete with use in aquaculture.…”

“…However, there is also increasing recognition of the heterogeneity of the physiological and metabolic processes themselves and of the impacts of 'lipid interventions', perhaps best described for the bioactive omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Both Phillips et al [6] and Kerman et al [9], while emphasising the importance of EPA and DHA to skeletal muscle and cognitive health, respectively, highlighted the heterogeneity in findings from human research, including both observational studies and intervention trials. Clearly some of this heterogeneity between intervention trials is due to differences in sample size, dose and duration of the intervention, and the exact outcome being measured.…”