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

Phillips, N., Gray, S. R. , Combet, E. and Witard, O. C. (2023) Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for the management of age- and disease- related declines in skeletal muscle mass, strength and physical function. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, (Early Online Publication)

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.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: omega-3, muscle health, ageing, cancer cachexia, hierarchy of evidence.
• Status: Early Online Publication
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Phillips, Nathan and Gray, Professor Stuart and Combet Aspray, Professor Emilie
• Authors: Phillips, N., Gray, S. R., Combet, E., and Witard, O. C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences; 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: Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• ISSN: 1363-1950
• ISSN (Online): 1473-6519
• Published Online: 18 October 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.
• First Published: First published in Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care 2023
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy