The Role of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Sarcopenia and Aging Muscle - PubMed

5 hours ago

Sarcopenia is characterized by progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function, affecting 10-16% of older adults and increasing risks of falls, frailty, and mortality.
The pathogenesis involves chronic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and anabolic resistance.
Omega14 PUFAs, particularly EPA and DHA, may help due to anti-inflammatory properties and potential anabolic effects on skeletal muscle.
Mechanistically, they enhance muscle protein synthesis via mTOR-p70S6K pathway, reduce inflammation via SPMs, improve mitochondrial function, and attenuate disuse atrophy.
Clinical trials show supplementation with doses over 2 g/day of combined EPA and DHA can increase thigh muscle volume, handgrip strength, and one-repetition maximum in older adults.
Benefits appear more pronounced when combined with resistance exercise training, especially in women, though some large trials report null findings for supplementation alone.
Omega14s also show benefits in clinical populations like cancer patients with cachexia and neuromuscular disorders, indicating potential as part of multimodal interventions.
Future research should focus on optimal dosing, sex-specific responses, and mechanisms for synergy with exercise.

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