Omega-3 Fatty Acids Stimulate Muscle Protein Synthesis

Omega-3 fatty acids may support muscle protein synthesis in older adults, researchers recently reported. The elderly are at increased risk of muscle breakdown and associated loss of strength and performance.

In this new clinical trial, investigators supplemented 16 healthy older adults with omega-3 fatty acids or corn oil daily for 8 weeks. The subjects were evaluated at the beginning of the study and again after the supplementation period to determine the rate of muscle protein synthesis. Also, the pathway in which the body signals growth and proliferation of tissues (the anabolic pathway) was also evaluated. Phosphorylation or activation of the anabolic pathway was evaluated using a hyperaminoacidemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp, which measures insulin resistance with increased amino acid levels.

The results of the study showed that corn oil supplementation had no effect on the rate of muscle protein synthesis or activation of the anabolic pathway. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation did not affect the rate of muscle protein synthesis under normal conditions. However, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation increased muscle protein synthesis under conditions involving increased levels of amino acids and insulin, which resulted in increased phosphorylation of proteins that activate the anabolic pathway.

The study authors stated that omega-3 fatty acids stimulate muscle protein synthesis in older adults and may be useful in supporting muscle protein synthesis in the elderly.

Reference:

Smith GI, Atherton P, Reeds DN, Mohammed BS, Rankin D, Rennie MJ, Mittendorfer B. Dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation increases the rate of muscle protein synthesis in older adults: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 Dec 15. Published Online Ahead of Print.