Update on the Impact of Omega 3 Fatty Acids on Inflammation, Insulin Resistance and Sarcopenia: A Review

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences Vol. 19; no. 1; p. 218
• Main Authors: Buoite Stella, Alex, Gortan Cappellari, Gianluca, Barazzoni, Rocco, Zanetti, Michela
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 11.01.2018; MDPI
• Subjects: Anti-Inflammatory Agents - administration & dosage; Anti-Inflammatory Agents - therapeutic use; Chronic illnesses; Fatty acids; Fatty Acids, Omega-3 - administration & dosage; Fatty Acids, Omega-3 - therapeutic use; Humans; Inflammation; Insulin Resistance; Lipid Metabolism; Omega-3 fatty acids; Oxidative Stress; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Review; Sarcopenia; Sarcopenia - drug therapy; Sarcopenia - metabolism; chronic kidney disease; aging; inflammation; insulin resistance; omega 3 fatty acids; sarcopenia
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1661-6596; 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms19010218

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). 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. 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. 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.