Association between Plasma Omega-3 and Handgrip Strength According to Glycohemoglobin Levels in Older Adults: Results from NHANES 2011–2012

Abstract

Background: Low muscle strength is a predictor of mortality in older adults. Although the evidence concerning hyperglycemia is limited, evidence shows that omega-3 (ω-3) intake may be positively associated with muscle strength. However, the association between plasma ω-3 and muscle strength in older adults according to glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) levels has not yet been investigated. Objective: To evaluate whether plasma ω-3 levels are associated with handgrip strength in individuals over 50 years according to HbA1c levels. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 950 older adults (50–85 years) from NHANES 2011–2012. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between plasma ω-3 and handgrip strength in individuals with elevated (≥5.7%) or normal HbA1c levels after adjustments for confounders. Results: Total plasma ω-3, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and alpha-linolenic acid were not associated with handgrip strength in older adults regardless of HbA1c levels. Conclusion: Plasma ω-3 levels are not associated with handgrip strength in individuals over 50 years old independent of HbA1c levels.

New Directions to Approach Oxidative Stress Related to Physical Activity and Nutraceuticals in Normal Aging and Neurodegenerative Aging

“…In the lipidic modulation profile, decreased HCY, 3-NT, MDA, IL-6, CRP and mtDNA copy number, or increased SOD, CAT, GRd and GPx, resulted after the physical training intervention at different intensities applied for 6-8 weeks for 75 min/week, 150 min/week or 5.5-30 MET hours/week. Increased functional autonomy, quality of life and enhanced cognitive capacities, including neurocognitive parameters, were monitored using MMSE, COWAT, DS, CDT, TMT, METS, LOTCA and GPAQ scores [12,14,17,21,22,32,35,37,38,49]. Endurance or resistance training were another form of physical activity, using devices such as a treadmill, cycle ergometer or handgrip dynamometer, being applied 6-12 weeks for 60 min/session, 3 times/week.…”

“…Along with omegA-3, a reduced mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) is considered an oxidative stress biomarker and may improve muscle strength. Omega-3 intake enhances synaptic transmission at the end plate, and it also modulates the contractility of the striated muscle fibre and strength muscle [37,38]. The vitamin B group (vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate) is associated with a decline in mental disorders and dementia by decreasing HCY trans-sulphuration or re-methylation.…”

“…Improving the contraction energy level after n3-PUFA during exercise training and decreasing the rate of protein synthesis attenuated functional disorders, sarcopenia and chronic inflammation in skeletal muscle. The addition of omega-3 to diets improves muscle strength in elderly adults with normal glycaemia [35,38]. Another paper, namely the PHYSMED project, observed an association between physical fitness of different degrees and blood biomarker levels associated with inflammatory status or oxidative stress.…”

Advances in nutritional supplementation for sarcopenia management

“…Dietary omega-3 fatty acid levels are negatively associated with sarcopenia ( 104 ), and more than 2 g/day of omega-3 fatty acids may increase muscle mass and improve walking speed, especially for those with sarcopenia who have been receiving the intervention for more than 6 months ( 105 ). However, linear regression analysis concluded that there was no association between plasma omega-3 levels and grip strength in older adults ( 106 ). When cancer patients were supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids, their muscle maintenance, quality of life, and body weight were not improved ( 107 ).…”

Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for the management of age- and disease-related declines in skeletal muscle mass, strength and physical function

“…Mixed findings have been reported from recent cohort studies regarding the association between LCn-3 PUFA intake and muscle outcomes related to sarcopenia [15][16][17]. For instance, exploratory analysis of the ENHANce RCT [18] found a positive correlation between erythrocyte docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) level/omega-3 index and appendicular lean mass in a cohort of people with sarcopenia.…”