Abstract
Sarcopenia is defined as a syndrome characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength and it is diagnosed by measurements of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance. Sarcopenia affects quality of life and is associated with several adverse health effects. Muscle decline is aggravated by a sedentary lifestyle and can be prevented through proper nutrition, together with adequate physical activity. Fish contains biologically active compounds, such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, vitamin D, magnesium, and carnitine, which are able to intervene positively on muscle metabolism. This narrative literature review was performed to evaluate evidence regarding the actual benefit of fish consumption in the prevention of sarcopenia and the positive action on the muscle mass of the biological compounds present in fish. The results demonstrated that fish consumption has a protective and anti-inflammatory function on skeletal muscle and that its biologically active compounds help to maintain good muscle performance, preventing sarcopenia. Considering the nutritional and health benefits, elderly with sarcopenia should consume at least three servings per week of fish in order to have a minimum intake of 4–4.59 g daily of omega 3, and reaching the 50% RDA in Vitamin E and D. High biological value of proteins in 150 g of fish and its high available magnesium (20% of RDA in 150 g of fish) are an added value that could suggest fish as a “functional food” in order to prevent and treat sarcopenia.
Highlights
Sarcopenia has been defined by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) as a syndrome characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength with a risk of adverse outcomes such as physical disability, poor quality of life, and death [1]
Different pathways involved in mitochondrial regulation and in the organization of the cell matrix were increased while the pathways related to calpainand ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, mRNA translation, and inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling were decreased
Fish is an optimal food for maintaining muscle mass and preventing sarcopenia as it contains a complex array of macro- and micronutrients essential for the proper functioning of the skeletal muscle
Summary
Sarcopenia has been defined by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) as a syndrome characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength with a risk of adverse outcomes such as physical disability, poor quality of life, and death [1]. Studies in recent years reveal that the intestinal microbiota plays a decisive role in relation to muscle; during old age, the bacteria that produce butyrate (which influence colon motility, immunity maintenance, and anti-inflammatory properties) decrease, while the bacteria belonging to Proteobacteria phylum increase [14,15,16]. This dysbiosis causes greater intestinal permeability promoting the passage of inflammatory molecules such as LPS (lipopolysaccharides), which are very high in the elderly. The aim of the present narrative review is to summarize the state of art regarding the effect of preventative intake of active compounds in fish, such as omega-3 PUFAs, proteins, vitamins D and E, magnesium, and carnitine in sarcopenia
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