Cold-water fatty fish loaded with omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, trout, sardines, herring, and mackerel
A daily fish oil supplement for six months improved muscle size and strength in a group of elderly folks.
Admittedly it was a small study but it was randomized and the only intervention applied was for the experimental group to take 1.86 grams of EPA and 1.5 grams of DHA daily for six months. The control group was given corn oil. Study participants were 60–85 years old. The specific form of the fish-derived fatty acids was a proprietary product called Lovaza.
Improved strength during aging should help with maintenance of independent daily activities and prevention of falls. In other words, these fatty acids are anti-aging. I’d like to see the study replicated with more study participants.
I don’t know if the study was paid for by Lovaza’s manufacturer, nor whether that would influence results.
This study supports my recommendation of cold-water fatty fish (great sources of omega-3 fatty acids) in all my diets:
- The Advanced Mediterranean Diet
- Conquer Diabetes and Prediabetes: The Low-Carb Mediterranean Diet
- KMD: Ketogenic Mediterranean Diet
- Paleobetic Diet
Steve Parker, M.D.
Diabetic Mediterranean Diet 