Effects of n-3 EPA and DHA supplementation on fat free mass and physical performance in elderly. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trial

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#adipose-tissue #dietary-supplements #docosahexaenoic-acids #eicosapentaenoic-acid #frailty

Effects of n-3 EPA and DHA supplementation on fat free mass and physical performance in elderly. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trial

Rondanelli et al., 2021 | Mech Ageing Dev | Meta Analysis

Citation

Rondanelli Mariangela, Perna Simone, ... Gasparri Clara. Effects of n-3 EPA and DHA supplementation on fat free mass and physical performance in elderly. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trial. Mech Ageing Dev. 2021-Jun;196:111476. doi:10.1016/j.mad.2021.111476

Abstract

The most studied n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3), and their intake seem to have a positive effect on skeletal muscle. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate the effect of n-3 EPA and DHA supplementation on fat free mass, and on different indexes of physical performance in the elderly. Eligible studies included RCT studies that investigated EPA and DHA intervention. Random-effects models have been used in order to estimate pooled effect sizes, the mean differences, and 95 % CIs. Findings from 14 studies (n = 2220 participants) lasting from 6 to 144 weeks have been summarized in this article. The meta-analyzed mean differences for random effects showed that daily n-3 EPA + DHA supplementation (from 0.7 g to 3.36 g) decreases the time of Time Up and Go (TUG) test of -0.28 s (CI 95 %-0.43, -0.13;). No statistically significant effects on physical performance indicators, such as 4-meter Walking Test, Chair Rise Test and Handgrip Strength, have been found. The fat free mass follows an improvement trend of +0.30 kg (CI 95 % -0.39, 0.99) but not statistically significant. N-3 EPA + DHA supplementation could be a promising strategy in order to enhance muscle quality and prevent or treat frailty.

Key Findings

N-3 EPA + DHA supplementation could be a promising strategy in order to enhance muscle quality and prevent or treat frailty.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 2220
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adipose Tissue
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid
  • Frailty
  • Humans
  • Muscle Strength
  • Physical Functional Performance

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: omega-3

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09