Omega 3s could benefit sarcopenia patients, DSM review highlights

12 Jan 2022 --- Omega 3 supplementation may have positive effects in sarcopenia patients, a DSM-led scientific review and meta-analysis has revealed. The findings highlight that EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) can impact body muscle mass and strength, aiding patients with sarcopenia.

“As our muscle mass decreases as we age, improving intake of these omega 3s, possibly via supplements or specialized nutrition products, may be particularly beneficial for this population group,” Dr. Barbara Troesch, senior scientific affairs manager of global medical nutrition and pharmaceutics at DSM, tells NutritionInsight.

“Given the importance of muscle mass and function for overall health and well-being, this might consequently help to maintain quality of life and may reduce the severity of recent cost increases within healthcare settings.”

Omega 3s offer a rich source of benefits ranging from cognition to brain and cardiovascular health.Sarcopenia, defined as a loss of muscle mass, strength and function, is a major public health concern in senior adults, Troesch notes. 

Though figures vary depending on the definition used, sarcopenia is thought to affect 38% of individuals in nursing homes and 23% of patients in hospital settings. It is believed to contribute to US$18.5 billion worth of direct healthcare costs in the US alone, she highlights.

Specialized nutrition offerings
According to DSM, many people do not meet omega 3 intake recommendations and have a low omega 3 status, despite the nutrient’s potential benefits. “Less than 20% of the world’s population achieve the recommended intake of EPA and DHA, set by most expert bodies at 250-500 mg per day,” notes Troesch.

Industry experts previously flagged that consumers are still lacking sufficient knowledge on omega 3 supplements in terms of dosage and form, despite the popularity of the ingredient with consumers seeking cardiovascular and brain health. 

“Muscle wasting diseases such as sarcopenia are inherently linked to inflammation. It is assumed that chronic, low-grade inflammation tends to increase as we age, while chronic diseases and their treatments can also trigger an inflammatory cascade,” underscores Troesch.

Vitamin C has also been spotlighted as a source of maintaining muscle mass in older ages, a UK study previously highlighted. People with the highest amounts of vitamin C in their diet or blood had the greatest estimated skeletal muscle mass compared to those with the lowest amounts. 

Omega 3s may offer cognition benefits as EPA and DHA may decrease brain inflammation and preserve the function of neuron membranes, Troesch notes. Evidence indicates a positive link between omega 3s and cognitive function as well as reduced risk of dementia, she adds.Though omega 3s are widely consumed, there is a lack of knowledge over correct dosage and form.

Future studies
The meta-analysis published in Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, evaluated 66 studies in total to investigate the effects of omega 3 on muscle mass and function, as well as potential benefits in older adults with sarcopenia. 

Most studies were performed in diseased populations, primarily patients with cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or in healthy individuals after a fatiguing exercise period.

“Although the findings were positive, it is still too early to determine whether omega 3 supplementation helps to prevent sarcopenia or slow its progression. The majority of the studies we evaluated were small and differed greatly in the factors such as selected outcomes.” 

“In order to reduce the risk of bias, we would need large, well-designed and randomized controlled trials in elderly people to accurately gauge the effect of omega 3 supplementation in relation to sarcopenia.” 

R&D is spurring development further after a new processing technique was found to enrich the omega 3 fatty acid content in a range of goods without changing important sensory values. 

By Andria Kades