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Research: BUOITE STELLA and COLLEAGUES
Listed in Issue 288
Abstract
BUOITE STELLA and COLLEAGUES, 1 Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34100 Trieste, Italy. alex.buoitestella@gmail.com ; 2 Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34100 Trieste, Italy. gigici2@iol.it ; 3 Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34100 Trieste, Italy. barazzon@units.it ; 4 Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34100 Trieste, Italy. zanetti@units.it
Background
Elderly and patients affected by chronic diseases face a high risk of muscle loss and impaired physical function. Omega 3 fatty acids (FA) attenuate inflammation and age-associated muscle loss, prevent systemic insulin resistance and improve plasma lipids, potentially impacting on sarcopenia. This paper aims to review recent randomized clinical studies assessing the effects a chronic omega 3 FA supplementation on inflammatory and metabolic profile during conditions characterized by sarcopenia (aging, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, chronic renal failure).
Methodology
A comprehensive search of three online databases was performed to identify eligible trials published between 2012 and 2017. A total of 36 studies met inclusion criteria. Omega 3 FA yielded mixed results on plasma triglycerides in the elderly and no effects in renal patients.
Results
No changes in systemic insulin resistance were observed. Inflammation markers did not benefit from omega 3 FA in insulin resistant and in renal subjects while decreasing in obese and elderly. Muscle related parameters improved in elderly and in renal patients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, in aging- and in chronic disease-associated sarcopenia omega 3 FA are promising independently of associated anabolic stimuli or of anti-inflammatory effects. The evidence for improved glucose metabolism in insulin resistant and in chronic inflammatory states is less solid.
References
Alex Buoite Stella 1 , Gianluca Gortan Cappellari 2 , Rocco Barazzoni 3 , Michela Zanetti 4, Update on the Impact of Omega 3 Fatty Acids on Inflammation, Insulin Resistance and Sarcopenia: A Review Int J Mol Sci;19(1):218. doi: 10.3390/ijms19010218. Jan 11 2018.
