Fish Oil and Muscle Function

• Evaluate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on muscle mass [ Time Frame: Change from baseline in muscle mass at 12 and 24 weeks ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  We will measure total body muscle mass by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, thigh muscle volume by using magnetic resonance imaging and muscle morphology (e.g., muscle fiber size) by standard histological methods.
• Evaluate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on physical function [ Time Frame: Change from baseline in physical function at 12 and 24 weeks ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  We will evaluate muscle strength by assessing one-repetition maximum strength of upper- and lower-body skeletal muscles, grip strength and isometric and isokinetic force development. We will assess overall physical function using the physical performance tests, which evaluates the ability to perform usual daily activities such as climbing a flight of stairs, walking 50 feet and putting on and removing a coat.

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on changes in muscle mass, muscular strength and physical function.

Loss of muscle mass is a normal consequence of aging in many older adults, worsened by chronic illness, poor appetite and diet, and reduced physical activity. The ensuing decline in physical function is a major cause of frailty, disability and death. Treatments that can reverse or reduce the age-associated loss of muscle mass are therefore much needed. Evidence is emerging that consumption of fish or fish oil derived long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3PUFA) may be important for maintenance of muscle mass and physical function throughout the life-span. However, the effect of LCn-3PUFA supplementation on muscle mass, muscle strength and overall physical function is not known. The goal of this study therefore is to determine the effect of LCn-3PUFA supplementation on muscle mass, muscle strength and physical function in frail, older adults.

• Dietary Supplement: Omega-3 fatty acids
  4 grams per day for 24 weeks
  Other Name: Lovaza
• Dietary Supplement: corn oil
  4 grams per day for 24 weeks
  Other Name: corn oil

• Experimental: Long chain omega-3 fatty acids
  Intervention: Dietary Supplement: Omega-3 fatty acids
• Placebo Comparator: Corn oil
  Intervention: Dietary Supplement: corn oil

Inclusion Criteria:

• Non-obese (i.e., BMI less than 30 kg/m2)
• Between 60 and 85 y old
• Subjects who are sedentary (<1 h of exercise/week)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects with evidence of significant organ system dysfunction (e.g. diabetes, severe cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, cirrhosis, hypogonadism, uncontrolled hypo- or hyperthyroidism; uncontrolled hypertension)
• Subjects with metal implants
• Subjects with iron storage disease,
• Subjects with severe ambulatory impairments,
• Individuals with cancer or cancer that has been in remission for <5 years,
• Individuals with dementia,
• Individuals who smoke,
• Subjects who are taking medications known to affect muscle (e.g., steroids),
• Subjects who receive anticoagulant therapy.
• Subjects taking medications to control certain medical conditions (e.g., hypertension) will be included if the drug regimen has been stable for at least 6 months before entering the study and is not expected to change during the study.
• Subjects with allergies to sea food,
• Subjects who regularly consume fish oil or consume >2 servings of fish with a high LCn-3PUFA content (e.g. salmon, mackerel, sardines, etc) per week.
• Physical performance test score less than 17 out of 36.