(P11-013-25) The Effects of Linoleic Acid-Rich Safflower Oil on Muscle Function, Strength and Mass in Adults With Sarcopenia: Study Protocol for a Randomized Control Trial

Objectives: Sarcopenia, age-related decline in muscle strength and function, can increase the risk of physical disability and mortality. Blood linoleic acid (LA) is associated with increased muscle mass in adults. The effect of increasing dietary LA on muscle function, strength and mass in adults with probable sarcopenia, has not been investigated. The objective of the Foods & Oil to Repair, Correct and Enhance Strength (FORCES) study is to determine the impact of dietary LA-rich oil on muscle strength, muscle volume, fatigue-resistance, and physical mobility.

Methods: In this 26-week parallel arm randomized control trial, 66 older adults with probable sarcopenia, will be randomly assigned to consume 2 study foods per day made with 6g of either LA-rich safflower oil or oleic acid (OA)-rich safflower oil each (12g of oil per day). Prior to randomization, participants will complete a 2-week run-in period to become acclimated to consuming 2 study foods per day, each delivering 6 g of OA-rich safflower oil. Participants will receive counseling from a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) to incorporate the study foods into their diets while maintaining their body weight. Self-reported study food consumption will be collected daily while dietary intake and physical activity will be monitored intermittently. Every 4 weeks after randomization, body weight will be measured, and fasting blood samples will be collected. At the start and end of the 24-week randomized intervention period, isokinetic leg extension will be used to assess muscle strength, gait speed, grip strength, stair climb, and chair rise measurements will be used to assess muscle function, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be used to assess quadricep muscle mass and fat fraction. Additionally, a biopsy will be obtained from the vastus lateralis to measure mitochondria function and cardiolipin species.

Results: We hypothesize that consuming foods made with the LA-rich safflower oil will increase muscle strength and function in older adults with sarcopenia.

Conclusions: Improving muscle strength and function through consumption of a LA-rich oil may ultimately lead to improved mobility and independence in older adults with sarcopenia.

Funding Sources: National Institute of Health National Institute of Aging and Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC)