Abstract
Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome with increasing importance due to the aging of the population. It is known to impose a major burden in terms of morbidity, mortality and socio-economic costs. Therefore, adequate preventive and treatment strategies are required. Progressive resistance training and protein supplementation are currently recommended for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) might be an alternative therapeutic agent for sarcopenia due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which target the ‘inflammaging’, the age-related chronic low-grade inflammation which is assumed to contribute to the development of sarcopenia. In addition, omega-3 PUFAs may also have an anabolic effect on muscle through activation of the mTOR signaling and reduction of insulin resistance. This narrative review provides an overview of the current knowledge about omega-3 PUFAs and their role in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. We conclude that there is growing evidence for a beneficial effect of omega-3 PUFAs supplementation in sarcopenic older persons, which may add to the effect of exercise and/or protein supplementation. However, the exact dosage, frequency and use (alone or combined) in the treatment and prevention of sarcopenia still need further exploration.
Highlights
Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and muscle strength, is a key feature of the aging process that predisposes elderly individuals to disability, immobility, falls, fractures and death [1]
We will start with randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) supplementation alone, followed by RCTs investigating a combination with exercise and discuss some data of the triple combination of omega-3 PUFAs supplementation, protein supplementation and exercise
Progressive resistance training and protein supplementation are currently recommended for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia
Summary
Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and muscle strength, is a key feature of the aging process that predisposes elderly individuals to disability, immobility, falls, fractures and death [1]. Several expert groups such as the International Working Group on Sarcopenia (IWGS) and the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) expanded the definition with muscle function (muscle strength or physical performance) [2, 3]. To meet the criteria of sarcopenia, low muscle mass was required together with low muscle strength or low physical performance [2]. A consensus operational definition of sarcopenia is still lacking since the definitions of the expert groups propose different thresholds and diagnostic tests for the assessment of muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance
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