Witard, O. C., Combet, E. and Gray, S. R. (2020) Long-chain n-3 fatty acids as an essential link between musculoskeletal and cardio-metabolic health in older adults. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 79(1), pp. 47-55. (doi: 10.1017/S0029665119000922) (PMID:31282319)
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Abstract
This narrative review aims to critically evaluate scientific evidence exploring the therapeutic role(s) of long-chain n-3 PUFA in the context of ageing, and specifically, sarcopenia. We highlight that beyond impairments in physical function and a lack of independence, the age-related decline in muscle mass has ramifications for cardio-metabolic health. Specifically, skeletal muscle is crucial in regulating blood glucose homeostasis (and by extension reducing type 2 diabetes mellitus risk) and providing gluconeogenic precursors that are critical for survival during muscle wasting conditions (i.e. AIDS). Recent interest in the potential anabolic action of n-3 PUFA is based on findings from experimental studies that measured acute changes in the stimulation of muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and/or chronic changes in muscle mass and strength in response to fish oil-derived n-3 PUFA supplementation. Key findings include a potentiated response of MPS to amino acid provision or resistance-based exercise with n-3 PUFA in healthy older adults that extrapolated to longer-term changes in muscle mass and strength. The key mechanism(s) underpinning this enhanced response of MPS remains to be fully elucidated, but is likely driven by the incorporation of exogenous n-3 PUFA into the muscle phospholipid membrane and subsequent up-regulation of cell signalling proteins known to control MPS. In conclusion, multiple lines of evidence suggest that dietary n-3 PUFA provide an essential link between musculoskeletal and cardio-metabolic health in older adults. Given that western diets are typically meagre in n-3 PUFA content, nutritional recommendations for maintaining muscle health with advancing age should place greater emphasis on dietary n-3 PUFA intake.
Item Type: | Articles |
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Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Gray, Professor Stuart and Combet Aspray, Professor Emilie |
Authors: | Witard, O. C., Combet, E., and Gray, S. R. |
College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing |
Journal Name: | Proceedings of the Nutrition Society |
Publisher: | Cambridge University Press |
ISSN: | 0029-6651 |
ISSN (Online): | 1475-2719 |
Published Online: | 08 July 2019 |
Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2019 The Authors |
First Published: | First published in Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 79(1):47-55 |
Publisher Policy: | Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher |
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