The effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on muscle mass, strength and performance: a meta-analysis. By I. G. Davies1, D. McCullough2, K. E. Lane1, and M. Mazidi3. 1Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom L3 1AA. 2Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, LS1 3HE. 3Clinical Trial Service Unit & Epidemiological Studies Unit (CTSU), Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, U.K, OX3 7LF.
Sarcopenia increases the risk of frailty, falls, poor quality of life (QoL), non-communicable disease, hospitalizations and death, placing an obvious burden on health care services[1, 2]. Increased intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) may improve muscle mass, strength and function, as key markers of sarcopenia[3] but previous meta-analyses have not showed consensus on these measures.  We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on n-3 PUFA supplementation on our primary outcomes of muscle mass and strength, and secondary outcomes of functional strength and performance. We followed PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane quality assessment tool and searched ISI, Scopus and PubMed databases with terms related to n-3 PUFA, muscle mass, strength, and functional performance. Weighted mean differences (WMD), 95% confidence intervals, random-effect model analysis, and I2 statistic were used to assess outcomes and heterogeneity respectively.
Our search revealed an initial 6907 RCTs, but was reduced to 72 (total participants, n = 7433) after applying our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies ranged from 30 days to 3 y, with a dose range of ~ 0.6 to 5 g of n-3 PUFA, predominantly in populations > 60 y. Meta-analyses revealed no significant effects on the primary meta-analyses on various tests of muscle mass (e.g. lean mass, fat free mass, skeletal muscle mass) or handgrip strength (HGS), but subgroup analysis of HGS on age (< ≥ 65 y, WMD:1.36 kg; 95% CI: -2.11, -0.61; I2 = 75.4%, p < 0.001) showed a significant unfavorable effect of n-3 PUFA. However, our primary meta-analyses for the 30s Chair Stand Test (30CST) (WMD: 2.23 repetitions; 95% CI: 1.34, 3.32; I2= 67.6%, p < 0.001) and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) favoured n-3 PUFA (WMD: -0.35 s; 95% CI: -0.53, -0.18; I2 = 0.0%, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis for TUG was significant for BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (WMD: -0.36 s; 95% CI: -0.58, -0.17; I2 = 16.9%), and for 30CST by duration ≥ 16 weeks (WMD: 2.60 reps; 95% CI: 1.37, 3.83; I2 = 0.0%) and female sex (WMD: 2.92 reps; 95% CI: 2.37, 3.46; I2 = 33.1%) (all p < 0.001). Publication bias was minimal and sensitivity analysis did not influence findings.
In conclusion, we show no effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation on our primary outcome of muscle mass, and the negative effect on HGS may be of limited clinical significance[4]. The favourable effects on 30CST and TUG show promise for n-3 PUFA as an intervention to improve regular daily activities and hence QoL. Both these measures are reliant on balance, which n-3 PUFA may improve via neuromuscular mechanisms. Further studies are needed to elucidate the dose, type, duration, other influencing factors, and the mechanism of action for functional strength.
1. Li, R., et al. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 2018. 50(3): p. 458-467.
2. Tournadre, A., et al. Joint Bone Spine, 2019. 86(3): p. 309-314.
3. Dupont, J., et al. Aging Clin Exp Res, 2019. 31(6): p. 825-836.
4. McGrath, R., et al. SAGE Open Med, 2020. 8: p. 2050312120910358.
Conference theme: Nutrition in the treatment, management and prevention of disease.

**The effect of _n-3_ polyunsaturated fatty acids on muscle mass, strength and performance: a meta-analysis.** By I. G. Davies1, D. McCullough2, K. E. Lane1, and M. Mazidi3. 1Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, _School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom L3 1AA. 2Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds,_ _LS1 3HE._ 3_Clinical Trial Service Unit & Epidemiological Studies Unit (CTSU), Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, U.K,_ _OX3 7LF._
Sarcopenia increases the risk of frailty, falls, poor quality of life (QoL), non-communicable disease, hospitalizations and death, placing an obvious burden on health care services[1, 2]. Increased intake of _n-3_ polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) may improve muscle mass, strength and function, as key markers of sarcopenia[3] but previous meta-analyses have not showed consensus on these measures.  We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on _n-3_ PUFA supplementation on our primary outcomes of muscle mass and strength, and secondary outcomes of functional strength and performance. We followed PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane quality assessment tool and searched ISI, Scopus and PubMed databases with terms related to _n-3_ PUFA, muscle mass, strength, and functional performance. Weighted mean differences (WMD), 95% confidence intervals, random-effect model analysis, and I2 statistic were used to assess outcomes and heterogeneity respectively.
Our search revealed an initial 6907 RCTs, but was reduced to 72 (total participants, n = 7433) after applying our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies ranged from 30 days to 3 y, with a dose range of ~ 0.6 to 5 g of _n-3_ PUFA, predominantly in populations > 60 y. Meta-analyses revealed no significant effects on the primary meta-analyses on various tests of muscle mass (e.g. lean mass, fat free mass, skeletal muscle mass) or handgrip strength (HGS), but subgroup analysis of HGS on age (< ≥ 65 y, WMD:1.36 kg; 95% CI: -2.11, -0.61; I2 = 75.4%, _p_ < 0.001) showed a significant unfavorable effect of _n-3_ PUFA. However, our primary meta-analyses for the 30s Chair Stand Test (30CST) (WMD: 2.23 repetitions; 95% CI: 1.34, 3.32; I2= 67.6%, _p_ < 0.001) and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) favoured _n-3_ PUFA (WMD: -0.35 s; 95% CI: -0.53, -0.18; I2 = 0.0%, _p_ < 0.001). Subgroup analysis for TUG was significant for BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (WMD: -0.36 s; 95% CI: -0.58, -0.17; I2 = 16.9%), and for 30CST by duration ≥ 16 weeks (WMD: 2.60 reps; 95% CI: 1.37, 3.83; I2 = 0.0%) and female sex (WMD: 2.92 reps; 95% CI: 2.37, 3.46; I2 = 33.1%) (all _p_ < 0.001). Publication bias was minimal and sensitivity analysis did not influence findings.
In conclusion, we show no effect of _n-3_ PUFA supplementation on our primary outcome of muscle mass, and the negative effect on HGS may be of limited clinical significance[4]. The favourable effects on 30CST and TUG show promise for _n_-3 PUFA as an intervention to improve regular daily activities and hence QoL. Both these measures are reliant on balance, which _n-3_ PUFA may improve via neuromuscular mechanisms. Further studies are needed to elucidate the dose, type, duration, other influencing factors, and the mechanism of action for functional strength.
1. Li, R., et al_._ Med Sci Sports Exerc, 2018. **50**(3): p. 458-467.
2. Tournadre, A., et al_._ Joint Bone Spine, 2019. **86**(3): p. 309-314.
3. Dupont, J., et al_._ Aging Clin Exp Res, 2019. **31**(6): p. 825-836.
4. McGrath, R., et al_._ SAGE Open Med, 2020. **8**: p. 2050312120910358.
Conference theme: Nutrition in the treatment, management and prevention of disease.

The effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on muscle mass, strength and performance: a meta-analysis.

The Nutrition Society Summer Conference 2022 is hosted in collaboration between Sheffield Hallam University, University of Sheffield and Sheffield City Council. It will be the first in-person Summer Conference since the pandemic, held at the Sheffield Hallam University city centre campus.

Sustainability is high on the agenda for individuals and for society as a whole, recent meetings such as COP 26 have highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change, of which food systems are a key factor.

The overarching theme of this conference highlights sustainability- sustainability is a large, diverse and contemporary issue consisting of environmental, societal and health perspectives which will be addressed from varying angles. 

This meeting will consider how to build ethical food systems, tackle inequalities and sustain health and wellbeing for future generations.

The Organising Committee have considered local food provision and will offer you a chance to explore Sheffield and its local produce.