Fish oil-derived n-3 PUFA therapy increases muscle mass and function in healthy older adults.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Individual randomized controlled trial
PubMed 25994567 · doi:10.3945/ajcn.114.105833
What was done
In a randomized controlled trial, 60 healthy adults aged 60–85 years were allocated (2:1) to receive either fish oil-derived n-3 PUFA therapy (n = 40) or corn oil control (n = 20) for 6 months. Thigh muscle volume, handgrip strength, 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) lower- and upper-body strength, and average power during isokinetic leg exercises were evaluated before and after treatment.
What was found
Forty-four subjects completed the study (29 in the n-3 PUFA group, 15 in the control group). Compared with the control group, 6 months of n-3 PUFA therapy significantly increased thigh muscle volume (3.6%; 95% CI: 0.2%, 7.0%), handgrip strength (2.3 kg; 95% CI: 0.8, 3.7 kg), and 1-RM muscle strength (4.0%; 95% CI: 0.8%, 7.3%) (all P < 0.05). Average isokinetic leg power showed a non-significant trend toward increase (5.6%; 95% CI: -0.6%, 11.7%; P = 0.075).
Why it matters
It provides clinical trial evidence that fish oil supplementation alone can improve muscle mass and strength in healthy older individuals, presenting a potential strategy to counter age-related muscle decline.
Limits
The trial had a small sample size (60 randomized, 44 completed) with substantial attrition (~27%). The abstract does not specify the exact dosage of n-3 PUFA, blinding details, background diet, or whether the mass gains translated to reduced clinical endpoints like falls or disability.
Cited by
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- supports Research by Bettina Mittendorfer's group showed that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation increases muscle size in older adults.
- supports A six-month longitudinal feeding study with 2 grams per day of EPA and DHA resulted in significant improvements in muscle mass or strength.