Effects of n-3 PUFA supplementation during resistance training on muscle outcomes in healthy adult men: a randomised clinical trial.

Plain-language summary

This study set out to see if omega-3 (n-3 PUFA) supplements could boost muscle growth and strength gains from weight training in healthy young men already eating plenty of protein. Forty-six men who lifted weights regularly were split into two groups: one took high-dose omega-3s (6.3 grams per day), the other a placebo, while both followed the same supervised leg-training routine twice a week for 14 weeks. The researchers tracked muscle size, strength, and markers of muscle-building signals before and after. Both groups gained muscle and strength equally, and the omega-3s did not improve these results or the body's muscle-building signals, despite being absorbed well into the muscles.

Key findings

• Omega-3 supplements (6.3g/day) did not improve muscle growth or strength gains over placebo in healthy men lifting weights.
• Both groups gained similar lean mass, muscle size, and strength after 14 weeks of training.
• Omega-3s did not enhance key muscle-building signals (mTOR, p70S6K, 4E-BP1) after exercise.
• Omega-3s were absorbed into muscle tissue but did not change training outcomes.