Omega-3’s May Help Promote Muscle Mass

Age-related muscle loss is a natural part of aging. After age 30, the body begins to lose as much as 3% to 5% per decade. A new study suggests that supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may help maintain or increase muscle mass.

For their study, the researchers reviewed 66 clinical trials. The clinical trials evaluated the association between supplementation with omega-3 PUFAs and skeletal muscle mass, lean body mass, and/or lower limb strength.

The researchers found that omega-3 supplementation had a positive effect on overall body muscle mass, body strength, and lower limb strength. They attribute this positive effect to the an-inflammatory properties of omega-3 PUFAs.

The study was conducted by researchers from was the University of Southampton. It was published online ahead of print on October 19, 2021 in the journal Clinical Nutrition ESPEN.