n3 PUFA and Muscle-disuse Atrophy in Young Women

Biological aging is associated with the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength resulting in compromised metabolic function and mobility. Throughout life, individuals will also experience periods of reduced physical activity/muscle disuse that independently lower muscle mass and strength accelerating the aging process. The losses in muscle mass with aging and disuse are underpinned by feeding-induced declines in rates of muscle protein synthesis. Thus, strategies to enhance muscle protein synthesis could have clinical implications for those who wish to maintain metabolic health and function during times of muscle disuse.

Supplementation with n3 PUFA-enriched fish oil has been shown to potentiate rates of muscle protein synthesis in response to simulated feeding in both younger and older adults. Fish oil supplementation also has been efficacious in enhancing skeletal muscle strength during a period of resistance exercise training. However, no study has examined the impact of fish oil supplementation to enhance muscle protein synthesis and offset declines in muscle mass/strength during a period of immobilization.

Inclusion criteria

• Female
• Aged 18-30 years

Exclusion criteria

• Take any analgesic or anti-inflammatory drugs(s), prescription or non-prescription, chronically will be excluded
• A history of neuromuscular problems or muscle and/or bone wasting diseases
• Any acute or chronic illness, cardiac, pulmonary, liver, or kidney abnormalities, uncontrolled hypertension, insulin- or non-insulin dependent diabetes or other metabolic disorders-all ascertained through medical history screening questionnaires
• Use medications known to affect protein metabolism (i.e. corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, or prescription strength acne medications)
• Fish allergy