The Effect of Omega-3 Supplementation on Muscle Functioning, Inflammation and Muscle Signaling

The Effect of Omega-3 Supplementation on Muscle Functioning, Inflammation and Muscle Signaling in Elderly

Elderly are supplemented with either Omega-3 (3 x 1.1g per day) or placebo (corn oil) during 14 weeks. The last 12 weeks, supplementation is combined with resistance exercise training (3x per week) focusing on upper leg strength. In the present project, the investigators study whether differences in muscle strength and/or muscle mass between conditions can be explained by omega-3-induced effects on systemic or muscle inflammatory signaling, or differences in muscle molecular signaling.

Elderly are supplemented with either Omega-3 (3 x 1.1g per day) or placebo (corn oil) during 14 weeks. The last 12 weeks, supplementation is combined with resistance exercise training (3x per week) focusing on upper leg strength. In the present project, the investigators study whether differences in muscle strength and/or muscle mass between conditions can be explained by omega-3-induced effects on systemic or muscle inflammatory signaling, or differences in muscle molecular signaling.

Inclusion Criteria:

• aged >= 65 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• BMI < 20; BMI > 35
• regular NSAID intake in the last 3 months
• omega-3 supplementation in the last year
• regular resistance exercise in the last year
• cancer, liver and renal disease, unstable cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disease
• cognitive limitations that might interfere with the (adherence to) the intervention or with the testing of outcome parameters
• unstable body weight
• smoking