(P26-050-25) Limited Evidence for n-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation in Enhancing Fat-Free Mass, Strength, and Function in Oncologic and Non-Oncologic Conditions: An Overview of Reviews

Objectives: N-3 (omega-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3-PUFA) are believed to play a significant role in promoting and preserving skeletal muscle mass, strength, and overall physical function. This study offers a comprehensive overview of existing reviews investigating the effects of n-3 fatty acid supplementation on these outcomes across diverse populations.

Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was performed to identify reviews assessing the effects of n-3 fatty acid supplementation within our target populations. This search utilized various databases, including OVID, Embase, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus. The studies identified were classified into two distinct groups based on their characteristics: non-oncologic and oncologic. The methodological quality of these reviews was assessed using the A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) 1. Subsequently, standardized effectiveness statements were developed to summarize the findings.

Results: Thirty-three systematic reviews met our inclusion criteria: 19 non-oncologic, 11 oncologic, and 3 mixed. In non-oncologic populations, 4 out of 16 reviews showed some evidence that n-3-PUFA supplementation benefitted lean mass, with 3 reviews focusing on older populations. For strength, 1 out of 14 reviews found sufficient evidence in favor, while 3 others reported some evidence of n-3-PUFA ingestion. For physical function, 1 out of 15 reviews found sufficient evidence, and 3 reported some evidence favoring n-3-PUFA use. In oncologic participants, only 1 out of 13 reviews found sufficient evidence that n-3-PUFA improved lean mass. No reviews found sufficient evidence for strength or physical function improvements.

Conclusions: Limited evidence supports the effectiveness of n-3-PUFA supplementation in augmenting lean (‘muscle’) mass in younger healthy persons and older healthy and clinical populations, including oncologic patients. Most systematic reviews concluded that n-3-PUFA supplementation did not affect strength, or studies were inconclusive, and there was no consistent impact of n-3-PUFA supplementation on functional outcome measures. Our analysis does not support n-3-PUFA monotherapy for lean mass gain/retention enhancing strength or function in healthy young or older persons, or cancer patients.

Funding Sources: No funding sources