This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the rate of muscle protein synthesis in older adults. Sixteen healthy, older adults were randomly assigned to receive either omega-3 fatty acids (3.36g combined EPA+DHA per day) or corn oil for 8 wk. The rate of muscle protein synthesis and the phosphorylation of key elements of the anabolic signaling pathway were evaluated before and after supplementation during basal, postabsorptive conditions and during a hyperaminoacidemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation had no effect on the basal rate of muscle protein synthesis (P = 0.80) but augmented the hyperaminoacidemia-hyperinsulinemia-induced increase in the rate of muscle protein synthesis (from 0.009 ± 0.005% per hour above basal values to 0.031 ± 0.003%/h above basal values; P <0.01), which was accompanied by greater increases in muscle mTOR(Ser2448) (P = 0.08) and p70s6k(Thr389) (P < 0.01) phosphorylation. Corn oil supplementation had no effect on any measure of muscle protein synthesis. Omega-3 fatty acids stimulate muscle protein synthesis in older adults and may be useful for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Feb;93(2):402-12. PMID: 21159787.
