Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in sarcopenia management: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Journal
Ageing Research Reviews
Journal Volume
90
Date Issued
2023
Author(s)
Tseng P.-T.
Zeng B.-Y.
Zeng B.-S.
Liao Y.-C.
Stubbs B.
Kuo J.S.
Sun C.-K.
Cheng Y.-S.
Chen Y.-W.
Chen T.-Y.
Lin P.-Y.
Hsu C.-W.
Li D.-J.
Liang C.-S.
Suen M.-W.
Wu Y.-C.
Shiue Y.-L.
Su K.-P.
Abstract
Sarcopenia frequently occurs with aging and leads to major adverse impacts on activities of daily living and quality of life in elderly individuals. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (omega-3 PUFAs) supplements are considered promising therapeutic agents for sarcopenia management; however, the evidence remains inconsistent. We reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about omega-3 PUFA supplementation in patients with sarcopenia or in those at high risk for sarcopenia. Network meta-analysis (NMA) procedures were conducted using a frequentist model. The primary outcomes were (1) upper-extremity muscle strength and (2) lower-extremity physical function. The NMA of 16 RCTs showed that the high-dose (more than 2.5 g/day omega-3 PUFAs) group yielded the greatest improvement in both upper-extremity muscle strength and lower-extremity physical function [compared to placebo/standard care groups, standardized mean difference (SMD)= 1.68, 95% confidence interval (95%CI)= 0.03-3.33, and SMD= 0.73, 95%CI= 0.16-1.30, respectively], and the effects were reaffirmed in subgroup analyses of placebo-controlled RCTs or those excluding concurrent resistance training programs. None of the investigated omega-3 PUFAs supplementation was associated with significantly increased skeletal muscle mass, fat mass, or overall body weight. Our findings provide a basis for future large-scale RCTs to investigate the dose effects and clinical application of omega-3 PUFA supplementation in sarcopenia management. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The current study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan (TSGHIRB No. B-109-29) and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022347161).
Publisher
Elsevier Ireland Ltd
Type
journal article