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Meta-Analysis
. 2022 May 26;14(11):2221.
doi: 10.3390/nu14112221.

Effects of Omega-3 Supplementation Alone and Combined with Resistance Exercise on Skeletal Muscle in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Stephen M Cornish  1   2   3 , Dean M Cordingley  3   4 , Keely A Shaw  5 , Scott C Forbes  2   6 , Taylor Leonhardt  5 , Ainsley Bristol  5 , Darren G Candow  7 , Philip D Chilibeck  5
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Effects of Omega-3 Supplementation Alone and Combined with Resistance Exercise on Skeletal Muscle in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Stephen M Cornish et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

Sarcopenia negatively affects skeletal muscle mass and function in older adults. Omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acid supplementation, with or without resistance exercise training (RET), is suggested to play a role as a therapeutic component to prevent or treat the negative effects of sarcopenia. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on the impact of ω-3 fatty acid supplementation with or without RET on measures of muscle mass and function in older adults (≥55 y). The data sources included SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and Medline. All the study types involving ω-3 fatty acid supplementation on measures of muscle mass and function in older adults (without disease) were included. The mean differences (MDs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated and pooled effects assessed. Sixteen studies (1660 females, 778 males) met our inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. ω-3 fatty acid supplementation did not impact lean tissue mass (SMD 0.09 [-0.10, 0.28]). Benefits were observed for lower body strength (SMD 0.54 [0.33, 0.75]), timed-up-and-go (MD 0.29 [0.23, 0.35]s), and 30-s sit-to-stand performance (MD 1.93 [1.59, 2.26] repetitions) but not walking performance (SMD -0.01 [-0.10, 0.07]) or upper body strength (SMD 0.05 [-0.04, 0.13]). Supplementing with ω-3 fatty acids may improve the lower-body strength and functionality in older adults.

Keywords: PUFA; anabolism; elderly; inflammation; sarcopenia; strength.

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Conflict of interest statement

D.M.C. is affiliated with the Pan Am Clinic Foundation which receives general education and research support from ConMed Linvatec, Ossur, Zimmer Biomet, and Arthrex.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA diagram: flow chart of study selection process.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Pooled analysis of the impact of omega-3 supplementation on lean body mass with and without resistance training [27,29,31,34,35,37,39,40].
Figure 3
Figure 3
Pooled analysis of the impact of omega-3 supplementation on lower body strength with and without resistance training [27,31,33,35,36,37,40,42].
Figure 4
Figure 4
Pooled analysis of the impact of omega-3 supplementation with and without resistance training on upper body strength [27,28,29,30,31,33,34,36,37,39,40,41].
Figure 5
Figure 5
Pooled analysis of the impact of omega-3 supplementation on timed-up-and-go test. Note that all mean results entered for each study are reduction in seconds within groups [28,34,36,37,39,42].
Figure 6
Figure 6
Pooled analysis of the impact of omega-3 supplementation on sit-to-stand performance.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Pooled analysis of the impact of omega-3 supplementation on walking speed.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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