1.
The Influence of n-3PUFA Supplementation on Muscle Strength, Mass, and Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Santo André, HC, Esteves, GP, Barreto, GHC, Longhini, F, Dolan, E, Benatti, FB
Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.). 2023;14(1):115-127
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Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFA) are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids essential to human health. They play a role in cell membrane integrity, immune and inflammation regulation, cognition and neuromuscular function. As the human body cannot make these fatty acids, they need to be obtained through diet or supplementation. Regarding skeletal muscle, recent research showed that n-3PUFAs may increase the uptake of amino acids by increasing the membrane fluidity in the muscle, and by activating pathways that inhibit protein breakdown. This led to the hypothesis that n-3PUFAs may enhance muscle mass gain and strength. This systematic review sought to gather all available evidence about the impact of n-3PUFA supplementation on muscle mass, strength, and function in healthy young and older adults. The review included 14 studies with a total of 1443 participants. The authors found that n-3PUFA supplementation had no significant effect on muscle mass or muscle function in healthy young and older adults, however, a very small but significant positive effect was noted regarding muscle strength. In the discussion section, the authors explain the challenges of their review and how these findings integrate with the current understanding and other research findings. They concluded more research is needed to get a better insight into the effects of n-3PUFA on muscle function and the variants.
Abstract
The effects of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFA) supplementation on skeletal muscle are currently unclear. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize all available evidence regarding the influence of n-3PUFA supplementation on muscle mass, strength, and function in healthy young and older adults. Four databases were searched (Medline, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and SportDiscus). Predefined eligibility criteria were determined according to Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes, and Study Design. Only peer-reviewed studies were included. The Cochrane RoB2 Tool and the NutriGrade approach were used to access risk of bias and certainty in evidence. Effect sizes were calculated using pre-post scores and analyzed using a three-level, random-effects meta-analysis. When sufficient studies were available, subanalyses were performed in the muscle mass, strength, and function outcomes according to participant's age (<60 or ≥60 years), supplementation dosage (<2 or ≥2 g/day), and training intervention ("resistance training" vs. "none or other"). Overall, 14 individual studies were included, total 1443 participants (913 females; 520 males) and 52 outcomes measures. Studies had high overall risk of bias and consideration of all NutriGrade elements resulted in a certainty assessment of moderate meta-evidence for all outcomes. n-3PUFA supplementation had no significant effect on muscle mass (standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.07 [95% CI: -0.02, 0.17], P = 0.11) and muscle function (SMD = 0.03 [95% CI: -0.09, 0.15], P = 0.58), but it showed a very small albeit significant positive effect on muscle strength (SMD = 0.12 [95% CI: 0.006, 0.24], P = 0.04) in participants when compared with placebo. Subgroup analyses showed that age, supplementation dose, or cosupplementation alongside resistance training did not influence these responses. In conclusion, our analyses indicated that n-3PUFA supplementation may lead to very small increases in muscle strength but did not impact muscle mass and function in healthy young and older adults. To our knowledge, this is the first review and meta-analysis investigating whether n-3PUFA supplementation can lead to increases in muscle strength, mass, and function in healthy adults. Registered protocol: doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/2FWQT.
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The Long Haul of COVID-19 Recovery: Immune Rejuvenation versus Immune Support.
Bland, JS
Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.). 2020;19(6):18-22
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Following Covid-19 infection, sufferers have reported various residual symptoms, which have been likened to those experienced by chronic fatigue sufferers and those with Gulf War syndrome. This review paper aimed to assess whether the body has a similar immune response to these diseases during Covid-19, and if so, what therapies could be used. It also reviewed any diet and lifestyle factors that may be affecting the immune response. The paper stated that Covid-19 infection is associated with inflammation, which can damage immune cells and inflammation prior to Covid-19 infection may contribute to severity of the infection. Prior research in seemingly healthy individuals indicates that environment, diet, and lifestyle factors can all contribute to differing “immune identities” and eliminating immune cells which carry the imprint of memories should be a therapy focus in Covid-19 patients. Fasting, diets low in refined sugars and high in omega-3 and plant chemicals were discussed as ways for the body to clear out immune cells. It was concluded that personalising therapy strategies based on an individual’s immune identity to reduce inflammation could ultimately support the immune system. This paper could be used by healthcare professionals to understand the importance of diet and lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation and support the immune system.
Abstract
With the COVID-19 pandemic still affecting communities all over the world and "Long Haul" chronic health issues emerging, it is time for us to look back at past multi-symptom health conditions that required a different approach to their treatment, beyond just managing symptoms. It is important for us to consider how to apply what we have learned about immune rejuvenation and its impact on conditions associated with chronic immune dysfunction. We know more than we ever have before about how to reduce chronic inflammation at its source through the support of selective immune cell autophagy/mitophagy and improved immune cell mitochondrial activity, followed by remodeling of the immune epigenome, and-ultimately-a reset of immune function.