Omega 3 supplementation efficacy in strength and muscle mass gain in healthy adults

• Grant number: 22/02229-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: November 01, 2022
• End date: August 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nutrition
• Principal Investigator: Fabiana Braga Benatti
• Grantee: Heloisa Castanheira Santo André
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Aplicadas (FCA). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Limeira , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 23/17782-3 - LIPID TRAFFICKING ANALYSIS IN ADULTS WITH OVERWEIGHT/OBESITY FOLLOWING 6WKS OF BREAKING UP SEDENTARY BEHAVIOR VS TIME-MATCHED CONTINUOUS EXERCISE, BE.EP.DD

Abstract

In recent years, studies have shown that omega 3 (n-3 PUFA) supplementation could be associated with increased rates of muscle protein synthesis, which may contribute to greater muscle mass and strength gain chronically. However, unlike studies in older adults, studies in adults are contradictory, and while some observe greater gains in muscle mass and strength in response to supplementation in healthy adults, others do not demonstrate these effects. Thus, it appears that under conditions in which protein synthesis is maximized (i.e., healthy adults undergoing physical exercise and with adequate protein intake), there is no additive effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation on muscle hypertrophy. However, there are no studies in the literature that have tested the effectiveness of n-3 PUFA supplementation in incresing strength and muscle mass under these conditions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of n-3 PUFA supplementation on muscle mass and strength gain, and muscle damage, in healthy adults undergoing strength training with adequate protein intake. Therefore, a clinical, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study will be carried out with 40 male subjects, aged between 18 and 40 years. Participants will be divided into two groups in a 1:1 ratio: Omega 3 (5g/d of fish oil) or Placebo (5g/d of sunflower oil). The protocol will last for 14 weeks, during which all participants will participate in strength training for the lower limbs (2x/week). Before and after the protocol, participants will be evaluated regarding maximal strength (1-RM leg press), body composition (BodPod), area of the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis muscles (ultrasound); in addition, blood samples will be used to assess the incorporation of fatty acids into the blood; and muscle biopsies will be used for cross-sectional area (ASTf) analysis of muscle fibers, activation of protein synthesis pathways, and fatty acid incorporation into myocytes (lipidomic analysis). In addition, food consumption will be monitored during the protocol through 24-hour recalls. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

SANTINI, MARTIN HINDERMANN; SANTO ANDRE, HELOISA C.; MAZZOLANI, BRUNA CARUSO; SMAIRA, FABIANA INFANTE; ESTEVES, GABRIEL PERRI; LEITAO, ALICE ERWIG; GUALANO, BRUNO; ROSCHEL, HAMILTON. The role of nutrition background on motivations, barriers, and adherence to a vegan diet: A qualitative study of the vegan eating habits and nutritional evaluation survey (VEGAN-EatS). FOOD QUALITY AND PREFERENCE, v. 125, p. 9-pg., 2024-11-26. (19/14819-8, 17/13552-2, 19/14820-6, 22/02229-4, 20/07860-9)

MAZZOLANI, BRUNA CARUSO; SMAIRA, FABIANA INFANTE; SIECZKOWSKA, SOFIA MENDES; ROMERO, MARINA; ANDRE, HELOISA C. SANTO; PASOTO, SANDRA G.; PINTO, ANA LUCIA DE SA; LIMA, FERNANDA RODRIGUES; BENATTI, FABIANA BRAGA; ROSCHEL, HAMILTON; et al. Acceptability and impact of a lifestyle intervention for systemic lupus erythematosus: Qualitative analysis of living well with lupus study. Lupus, v. 34, n. 5, p. 10-pg., 2025-03-13. (19/14819-8, 19/15231-4, 17/13552-2, 19/14820-6, 22/02229-4)