Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation With Resistance Exercise Improves Muscular Strength And Inflammation In Older Adults

Abstract

Fish oil (FO) enriched with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids has attracted great attention for their health-enhancing benefits; however, synergistic effects of FO supplementation combined with resistance training (RT) in muscular strength, inflammation, and antioxidant capacity in older adults are not well established. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of 12-wk FO consumption with programmed RT on muscular strength and inflammatory and antioxidant biomarkers in older adults. METHODS: Twenty healthy older adults (62 - 77 years) were randomly assigned to the resistance training (RT; n=10) or RT combined with FO group (RTFO; n=10). The RTFO group consumed fish oil supplements enriched with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids [3 capsules per day - 2100 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 720 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] and performed progressive RT including lat pull-down, seated row, biceps curl, leg press, and calf raise (2 sets of 10 repetitions; 2x/week for 12 weeks). One repetition maximum (1RM) for muscular strength assessment and blood C-reactive protein (CRP) and catalase (CAT) were evaluated for inflammation and antioxidant capacity pre- and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using 2 × 2 (group × time) repeated-measures ANOVA. RESULTS: Muscle strength in all five muscle groups substantially increased in both groups with a greater extent in RTFO; lat pull-down (+12 vs. +21%), seated row (+25 vs. +46%), biceps curl (+26 vs. +36%), leg press (+24 vs. +55%), and calf raise (+32 vs. +45%) (p < 0.05). There was a significant decrease in CRP in RTFO (-6% p < 0.05), while no detectable change was observed in RT. There was no significant change in CAT for both groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Twelve-weeks of FO supplementation appears to enhance the benefits from programmed RT in muscular strength, while improving systemic inflammation in healthy older adults. Supported by New Mexico State University.