Studies have shown how omega-3 supplementation and a higher Omega-3 Index can positively impact muscle strength, athletic performance, and recovery. Muscle stiffness, soreness, and loss of range of motion (ROM) have all been shown to be reduced or prevented with fish oil supplements. Specific outcomes among those supplementing with omega-3 fish oils and/or with a higher Omega-3 Index include the prevention of loss of muscle strength, decreased ROM, and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), as well as increased upper arm circumference and decreased muscle echo intensity (an indicator of muscle quality).

A slightly different yet common concern when it comes to muscle strength and aging is sarcopenia, which is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength among older adults. This condition can result in reduced functionality and a greater risk of falls, and has been related to metabolic syndrome and chronic, low-grade inflammation. Studies, such as those included in the review below, are now showing that omega-3 supplementation may help with this musculoskeletal condition as well.

A systematic review and meta-analysis by Cornish et al. looked at 16 different studies on the effect of omega-3 fatty acids (with or without resistance exercise training) on muscle mass and function in older adults. 15 of the studies were randomized controlled trials, and one was a randomized, non-controlled trial. In all, 2438 participants were included (1660 females and 778 males), ages 55 years and older, were included in the analysis. Omega-3 supplementation used in the trials was mostly fish oil or fish oil derived products, while one used krill oil and one used flax oil. Supplementation doses varied widely.

The combined data showed that omega-3 supplementation

A forest plot is often used in a meta-analysis to help compare two things for one outcome, in this case, placebo versus omega-3 supplementation for their impact on lower body strength. The points to the right of the vertical ‘0’ line represent the studies whose results showed a benefit for lower body strength among the omega-3 supplementation groups. Each point has an associated bar with it – this represents the 95% confidence interval used in statistics. In reality it means the point could be anywhere along that line. Finally the big diamonds show the aggregate risk for all of the studies in each sub-group and in total.

In this plot, most points are to the right, showing the majority of studies in the review demonstrated a favorable effect of omega-3 supplementation on lower body strength.

Have you measured your Omega-3 Index? Scientists recommend a target Omega-3 Index of 8% or higher. Testing is essential, as there is a large amount of variability in the omega-3 status for different people with the same intake amount (similar to vitamin D!). For example, a GrassrootsHealth analysis showed that the range of response with 1000 mg of EPA+DHA per day was 5.7% to 10.2%. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals measure their Omega-3 Index and determine a personalized dose using the Omega-3 calculator to achieve a minimum Omega-3 Index of 8%.

Having and maintaining healthy vitamin D levels and other nutrient levels can help improve your health now and for your future. Choose which additional nutrients to measure, such as your omega-3s and essential minerals including magnesium and zinc, by creating your custom home test kit today. Take steps to improve the status of each of these measurements to benefit your overall health. With measurement you can then determine how much is needed and steps to achieve your goals. You can also track your own intakes, symptoms and results to see what works best for YOU.

The eBook, Vitamin D & COVID-19, A Summary of Published Research, is a condensed and concise compilation of much of the published research on vitamin D and COVID-19, easy to read and share as a downloadable, printable PDF. Your purchase helps to further public knowledge and education of this invaluable research! Be sure to educate yourself on the benefits and importance of vitamin D for immune health, and take steps to ensure you and your loved ones are getting enough.

Don't get stuck with low vitamin D levels - learn more about what might affect your level and response to supplementation, and the steps to take through each season to keep levels in your target range.

Have a beautiful and HEALTHY day.

Onwards,