The role of omega-3 in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia.
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
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
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.