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The role of omega-3 in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia.

Aging clinical and experimental research
June 1, 2019
Jolan Dupont et al. (5 authors)
Journal ArticleReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to evaluate the role of omega-3 PUFAs in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia, including their potential synergistic effects with resistance training and protein supplementation.

Results Summary

The study found growing evidence for the beneficial effects of omega-3 PUFAs in sarcopenic older persons, potentially enhancing the effects of exercise and protein supplementation, though optimal dosage and usage require further research.

Population

Sarcopenic older persons (geriatric population).

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (8)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
Progressive resistance training
decrease
sarcopenia
-
-
recommended for the prevention and treatment
#1
protein supplementation
decrease
sarcopenia
-
-
recommended for the prevention and treatment
#2
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)
decrease
sarcopenia
-
-
might be an alternative therapeutic agent
#3
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)
decrease
age-related chronic low-grade inflammation
-
-
target the 'inflammaging'
#4
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)
increase
mTOR signaling
-
-
may also have an anabolic effect on muscle through activation
#5
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)
decrease
insulin resistance
-
-
reduction
#6
omega-3 PUFAs supplementation
decrease
sarcopenia
sarcopenic older persons
-
beneficial effect
#7
omega-3 PUFAs supplementation
decrease
sarcopenia
sarcopenic older persons
-
may add to the effect
#8
Abstract

Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome with increasing importance due to the aging of the population. It is known to impose a major burden in terms of morbidity, mortality and socio-economic costs. Therefore, adequate preventive and treatment strategies are required. Progressive resistance training and protein supplementation are currently recommended for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) might be an alternative therapeutic agent for sarcopenia due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which target the 'inflammaging', the age-related chronic low-grade inflammation which is assumed to contribute to the development of sarcopenia. In addition, omega-3 PUFAs may also have an anabolic effect on muscle through activation of the mTOR signaling and reduction of insulin resistance. This narrative review provides an overview of the current knowledge about omega-3 PUFAs and their role in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. We conclude that there is growing evidence for a beneficial effect of omega-3 PUFAs supplementation in sarcopenic older persons, which may add to the effect of exercise and/or protein supplementation. However, the exact dosage, frequency and use (alone or combined) in the treatment and prevention of sarcopenia still need further exploration.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AgedAged, 80 and overDietary SupplementsFatty Acids, Omega-3FemaleHumansMaleMuscle StrengthMuscle, SkeletalSarcopenia
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy85/10
Quality75/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations126
Citations/Year21.0
Relative Citation Ratio8.06
NIH Percentile96.9%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.95
Weight Score2.49
Normalized Score0.69
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