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

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.