The Role of Omega 3 Fatty Acids in Muscle Tissue

Abstract

Westernization of the diet continues to reduce the chances of ingesting omega-3 fatty acids, and there are concerns about chronic shortage of omega-3 fatty acids. In an aging society, the increase in the number of people requiring long-term care, such as bedridden and difficulty walking, hinders the extension of healthy life expectancy. One of the possible causes is atrophy of skeletal muscles, especially fast muscle tissues, with daily lack of exercise and aging. In this time, we will introduce the results of two muscle atrophy models, focusing on the action of omega-3 fatty acids on muscle tissue. Omega-3 fatty acids were resistant to the weight loss of fast muscle tissues in both the hindlimb cast immobilization model and the hindlimb unloading model. In addition, in the hindlimb cast immobilization model, it was confirmed that ingestion of omega-3 fatty acids promoted muscle protein synthesis by exercise stimulation. This suggests that the intake of omega-3 fatty acids may suppress the atrophy of fast muscle tissues associated with aging and reduce the risk of difficulty in independent living for the elderly.