Fish-oil Derived PUFAs May Decrease Muscle Decline

Fish-oil derived polyunsaturated fatty acids may retard muscle mass decline in healthy older adults:

Declines that occur in muscle mass and function that occur with advancing age become major risk factors for not only falls and longer recovery times after hospitalizations, but the reduced ability to carry out activities of daily living. 


A recent trial involving  44 healthy old men and women who were randomly assigned to receive n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish oils or corn oil for 6 months demonstrated that those who received the fish oil had increased thigh muscle volume, hand-grip strength, and greater muscle strength. 


It can be concluded that fish oil may reduce the normal decline in muscle mass and function in older adults. It should be considered a therapeutic approach for preventing sarcopenia and maintaining physical independence in older adults.

¹Smith GI, Julliand S, Reeds DN, Sinacore DR, Klein S, Mittendorfer B. Fish oil-derived n-3 PUFA therapy increases muscle mass and function in healthy older adults. Am J Clin Nutr 2015; 102: 115-22.