Omega-3 supplementation with resistance training does not improve body composition or lower biomarkers of inflammation more so than resistance training alone in older men.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine if 3.0 g/d of omega-3 fatty acids (including docosahexaenoic acid) combined with resistance training improved body composition and reduced inflammatory cytokines in older men compared to placebo and resistance training alone.
Results Summary
The study found that resistance training alone significantly improved body composition, muscle strength, and functional ability, but omega-3 supplementation provided no additional benefits and did not affect inflammatory cytokines.
Population
Older men aged 65 years and above.
Effective Dosage
3.0 g/d of omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid).
Duration
12 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3.0 g/d of omega-3 fatty acid (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) supplementation combined with progressive resistance training | increase | lean tissue mass | older men | - | significantly greater improvement | #1 |
3.0 g/d of omega-3 fatty acid (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) supplementation combined with progressive resistance training | decrease | interleukin-6 | older men | - | significant decrease | #2 |
3.0 g/d of omega-3 fatty acid (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) supplementation combined with progressive resistance training | decrease | tumor necrosis factor-α | older men | - | significant decrease | #3 |
progressive resistance training | decrease | percent body fat | older men | -2.5% | significant main effect for time | #4 |
progressive resistance training | increase | lean tissue mass | older men | +1.1% | significant main effect for time | #5 |
progressive resistance training | increase | lumbar bone mineral density | older men | +1.1% | significant main effect for time | #6 |
progressive resistance training | increase | hip bone mineral content | older men | +1.1% | significant main effect for time | #7 |
progressive resistance training | increase | chest press strength | older men | +31% | significant main effect for time | #8 |
progressive resistance training | increase | leg press strength | older men | +37% | significant main effect for time | #9 |
progressive resistance training | decrease | timed-up-and-go | older men | -6.6% | significant main effect for time | #10 |
progressive resistance training | increase | 6-minute walk distance | older men | +4.5% | significant main effect for time | #11 |
progressive resistance training | no change | inflammatory cytokines | older men | no significant change | No significant effects were noted | #12 |
omega-3 supplementation | no change | parameters of body composition, skeletal muscle strength, and functional ability | older men | - | did nothing to enhance | #13 |
omega-3 supplementation | no change | inflammatory biomarkers | older men | - | did nothing to influence | #14 |
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 3.0 g/d of omega-3 fatty acid (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) supplementation combined with progressive resistance training to improve body composition and lower inflammatory cytokines in older men when compared to placebo and resistance training. We hypothesized that completing a 12-week omega-3 supplementation period along with whole body resistance exercise (3 times/wk) would result in a significantly greater improvement in lean tissue mass as well as a significant decrease in interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α when compared to placebo. A total of 23 older men (≥65 years old) were randomized to an omega-3 supplementation group (n = 11) or placebo group (n = 12), and all the participants completed the same whole body progressive resistance training program. Baseline and 12-week data collection included body composition, muscle strength, functional ability, and inflammatory cytokines. Results indicated a significant main effect for time (all P < .05) for percent body fat (-2.5%), lean tissue mass (+1.1%), lumbar bone mineral density (+1.1%), hip bone mineral content (+1.1%), chest press strength (+31%), leg press strength (+37%), timed-up-and-go (-6.6%), and 6-minute walk distance (+4.5%) from baseline to post 12 weeks. No significant effects were noted for the 2 inflammatory cytokines measured (P > .05). We conclude that progressive resistance training exercise is an excellent method to enhance parameters of body composition, skeletal muscle strength, and functional ability in older men, whereas omega-3 supplementation did nothing to enhance these parameters or influence inflammatory biomarkers.