Omega-3 fatty acids and human skeletal muscle

Abstract

Purpose of review: To examine recent findings related to the influence of omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acid supplementation on skeletal muscle anabolism with a particular focus on situations of skeletal muscle disuse.

Recent findings: Skeletal muscle disuse results in a reduction in fed and fasted rates of skeletal muscle protein synthesis leading to the loss of skeletal muscle mass. Recent evidence has suggested that supplementation with ω-3 fatty acids during a period of skeletal muscle disuse increases the ω-3 fatty acid composition of skeletal muscle membranes, heightens rates of skeletal muscle protein synthesis, and protects against skeletal muscle loss. The protective effects of ω-3 fatty acids towards skeletal muscle during disuse appear to be related to changes in mitochondrial bioenergetics suggesting crosstalk between mitochondria and the regulation of skeletal muscle protein synthesis.

Summary: ω-3 fatty acid ingestion is a potential preventive therapy to combat skeletal muscle-disuse atrophy but additional, appropriately powered randomized controlled trials are now needed in a range of populations before firm conclusions can be made.