Plasma omega-3 is not associated with appendicular muscle mass index in young and middle-aged individuals: Results from NHANES 2011-2012.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between plasma omega-3 (ω-3) and appendicular muscle mass index (AMMI) in young and middle-aged individuals; and also to evaluate whether these associations are sex-specific. A cross-sectional study was performed evaluating 1037 individuals aged 20 to 59 years from a sub-sample of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2012. Plasma ω-3 was evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and lean mass was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Total plasma ω-3, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) were not associated with AMMI in total sample, men and women after adjustments for confounders. Plasma ω-3 and its subtypes were not associated with AMMI in a subanalysis evaluating young (20 to 44 y) and middle-aged (45 to 59 y) individuals separately. In conclusion, plasma ω-3 fatty acids are not associated with AMMI in young and middle-aged individuals regardless of sex.

Serum uric acid is positively associated with muscle strength in older men and women: Findings from NHANES 1999-2002.

BACKGROUND: One of the causes of strength loss in older adults is the increased oxidative stress; thus, substances with antioxidants properties may have protective effects on muscle strength. Uric acid (UA) is an important antioxidant and it seems to be positively associated with muscle strength in older adults; however, the current evidence is still limited. AIM: To investigate whether serum UA is associated with muscle strength in older men and women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed evaluating older adults aged from 50 to 85 years from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2000 and 2001-2002. A total of 2361 individuals (1256 men and 1105 women) were evaluated. The peak isokinetic knee extensor strength was assessed by kinetic communicator isokinetic dynamometer; while UA levels were measured by colorimetric method. Linear regression analyses were performed to estimate the coefficients and 95% confidence intervals for muscle strength by quintiles of UA levels, adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: In the unadjusted analyses, serum UA was positively associated with peak force in men and total sample, but not in women. However, after adjustments for confounders, UA levels were positively associated with peak force in total sample (p-trend = 0.007), men (p-trend = 0.044) and women (p-trend = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Serum UA is positively associated with muscle strength in older men and women. These results suggest that UA levels seem to be a protective factor for muscle strength in older adults independent of the sex.

Calcium intake is inversely associated with body fat in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Calcium intake seems to be inversely associated with body fat in several populations; however, little is known about this relationship in postmenopausal women. This study aimed to associate calcium intake with body fat mass in postmenopausal women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with 107 postmenopausal women who entered in a lifestyle change program. The dietary intake was estimated through three 24-h food recalls. Body fat mass was evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Linear regression analyzes were performed associating body fat variables (total fat mass, body fat percentage, trunk fat, gynoid and android fat mass; and body mass index) with calcium intake. RESULTS: After adjustments for age; carbohydrate, protein, lipids and fiber intakes; and physical activity, it was observed that calcium intake (mg/day) was inversely associated with total fat mass (kg and percentage), trunk fat mass (kg), gynoid and android fat mass (kg). Calcium intake was not associated with body mass index, although a tendency was observed (p = 0.062). CONCLUSION: Calcium intake was inversely associated with body fat mass in postmenopausal women.

Serum Uric Acid Is Positively Associated with Muscle Mass and Strength, but Not with Functional Capacity, in Kidney Transplant Patients.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to associate serum uric acid (UA) with muscle mass, strength and functional capacity in kidney transplant patients (KTPs). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 113 KTPs. The fat-free mass and total and appendicular muscle mass were estimated by performing a bioelectrical impedance analysis. The strength was evaluated using the handgrip strength test (HGS) and the five times sit to stand test (5STS). The functional capacity was evaluated using the 4 m walk test and the short physical performance battery (SPPB). RESULTS: Linear regression showed that the UA levels were positively associated with the muscle mass, fat-free mass, appendicular muscle mass, muscle mass index and appendicular muscle mass index. The 5STS results (seconds) were inversely associated with the UA levels, showing that individuals with higher UA were more likely to have more strength. However, UA was not associated with the HGS, 4 m walk test and SPPB results. CONCLUSION: UA levels were positively associated with muscle mass and strength, but not with functional capacity, in KTPs.

Body Mass Index, waist circumference or sagittal abdominal diameter: Which parameter is better correlated with body fat changes in postmenopausal women after combined training protocol?

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to verify whether exercise-induced changes in body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD) are correlated with changes in body fat (BF) in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Seventeen postmenopausal women performed combined training three times a week, for 12 weeks. Correlations of delta (Δ) BMI, Δ WC, and Δ SAD with Δ total BF, Δ android and Δ gynoid fats were performed. RESULTS: Weight, BMI and android fat decreased over time. A tendency of reductions in gynoid fat was found (p = 0.070). Delta BMI was positively correlated with Δ total BF (r = 0.56; p < 0.05), Δ android fat (r = 0.64; p < 0.05), and Δ gynoid fat (r = 0.72; p < 0.05). The Δ WC was only correlated with Δ gynoid fat (r = 0.55; p < 0.05). The Δ SAD was not correlated with all the Δ body fat parameters evaluated. CONCLUSION: We conclude that changes in BMI were better associated with body fat changes induced by combined training when compared to WC and SAD in postmenopausal women. The patients were part of a 12-week training study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03200639).

Association between omega-3 fatty acids intake and muscle strength in older adults: A study from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2002.

BACKGROUND: Muscle strength is a predictor of mortality in older adults and some dietary components are associated with this variable; however, little is known about the association between omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3) intake and strength in older adults. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether ω-3 intake is associated with muscle strength in individuals over 50 years. We also aimed to evaluate whether an isocaloric substitution of dietary fatty acids types by ω-3 intake could be associated with muscle strength. METHODS: This study included older adults aged from 50 to 85 y, from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2000 and 2001-2002. A total of 2141 individuals (1119 men and 1022 women) were evaluated and provided complete and reliable dietary intake and isokinetic strength of the knee extensors (peak force) data. Linear regression analysis was conducted without (Model 1) and with adjustments (Model 2). Isocaloric substitution analysis was performed to evaluate whether the substitution of polyunsaturated (excluding ω-3), monounsaturated, saturated fats and ω-6 by consumption of ω-3 is associated with strength. RESULTS: Total ω-3, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) intakes were positively associated with peak force in men (Model 1). However, after the adjustments for confounders (Model 2), only total ω-3 intake remained significant. Ω-3 intake was not associated with strength in women. The isocaloric substitution of saturated, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated fats and ω-6 by ω-3 was not associated with peak force. CONCLUSION: The intake of total ω-3 was positively associated with muscle strength in older men, but not in older women. In addition, the substitution of other fatty acids by ω-3 intake was not associated with strength.

Protein timing has no effect on lean mass, strength and functional capacity gains induced by resistance exercise in postmenopausal women: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Short-term studies have shown that protein intake immediately post-exercise increases muscle protein synthesis. However, the effect of protein timing (comparing protein intake post-exercise vs. several hours after exercise) on lean mass and strength gains in long-term studies is still not fully elucidated. Thus, the aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of protein timing on lean mass, strength and functional capacity gains induced by resistance exercise in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Thirty-four postmenopausal women (60.9 ± 6.7 years) participated in this double-blind, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial. All individuals performed the same resistance training protocol in the morning, 3 times a week, at 70% of 1-maximum repetition (1-RM), over 8 weeks. Participants were randomly assigned to protein-carbohydrate group (PC) (n = 17), that ingested 30 g of whey protein immediately after exercise and 30 g of maltodextrin in the afternoon; and to carbohydrate-protein group (CP) (n = 17), that ingested 30 g of maltodextrin immediately after exercise and 30 g of whey protein in the afternoon. Lean mass was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, handgrip strength by a dynamometer, and strength was evaluated by 1-RM of bench press and leg extension. One mile walk test was performed to assess the functional capacity. RESULTS: Both the PC group (37.3 [35.0-39.7] to 38.1 [35.9-40.5] kg) and the CP group (38.2 [36.0-40.5] to 38.8 [36.5-41.3] kg) increased the total lean mass (p < 0.001). An increase was also observed in both groups for 1-RM bench press, 1-RM leg extension and handgrip strength (p < 0.001). In addition, the time of 1-mile walk test decreased in both groups (p = 0.019). No differences were noted for group and time interaction for these variables (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Protein timing has no effect on lean mass, strength and functional capacity gains induced by resistance exercise in postmenopausal women. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT03372876.

Is there sufficient evidence to supplement omega-3 fatty acids to increase muscle mass and strength in young and older adults?

Omega-3 (ω-3) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties that presents three main forms: alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid. Recently, studies performed in both young and older adults suggest that ω-3 may improve gains in muscle mass and/or enhance physical function. Thus, the aim of this narrative review was to evaluate the current evidence of ω-3 intake/supplementation on muscle/lean mass (LM) and physical function in young and older adults, and draw research-based conclusions as to the practical implications of findings. We first assessed whether ω-3 intake is associated with muscle mass and strength (observational studies), and then sought to determine whether evidence shows that supplementation of ω-3 increases muscle protein synthesis, LM and strength in adults and older adults (interventional studies). The search was carried out in PubMed and Scopus databases for the periods between 1997 and November 2018. The following keywords were used alone and in combination: ω-3, fish oil, muscle protein synthesis, muscle mass, lean mass, body composition, and physical function. In general, the evidence is mixed as to the effects of ω-3 supplementation on muscle mass in sedentary young and older adults; the hypertrophic effects of supplementation when combined with resistance training remain equivocal. Moreover, there is conflicting evidence as to whether supplementation confers a beneficial effect on muscle function in older adults. Importantly, this conclusion is based on limited data and more studies are needed before ω-3 supplementation can be recommended as a viable strategy for such purposes in clinical practice.

Moderate Increase in Protein Intake Promotes a Small Additional Improvement in Functional Capacity, But Not in Muscle Strength and Lean Mass Quality, in Postmenopausal Women Following Resistance Exercise: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a moderate increase in protein intake on muscle strength, functional capacity and lean mass quality improvements in postmenopausal women following resistance exercise. Forty-seven postmenopausal women were randomized in two groups: Normal protein (NP, n = 25), who received a dietary plan containing ~0.8 g protein·kg-1·d-1 (recommended dietary allowance-RDA recommendations); and higher protein (HP, n = 22), which a moderate increase in protein intake was recommended (~1.2 g protein·kg-1·d-1). Resistance training was performed for 10 weeks, three times/week. Muscle strength (handgrip strength and one repetition maximum test-1-RM), functional capacity and lean mass (LM) quality (muscle strength to lean mass ratio) were evaluated. Dietary intake was assessed by nine 24 h food recalls. After intervention, both groups increased similarly the leg extension 1-RM and handgrip strength. Regarding functional capacity tests, both groups increased the balance test score (SPPB) and 10 m walk test speed, with no differences between the groups. In addition, an increase in speed to perform the 6 min and 400 m walk tests was observed over the time, with an additional improvement in the HP group (time × group interaction; p = 0.007 and p = 0.004, respectively). About LM quality, leg extension 1-RM/leg LM improved over the time in both groups (p = 0.050), with no time × group interaction. All these significant changes had a low effect size. In conclusion, a moderate increase in protein intake promoted a small additional improvement in functional capacity, but it did not induce a greater increase in strength and LM quality after 10 weeks of resistance exercise in postmenopausal women. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT03024125.

No Improvement in Running Time to Exhaustion at 100% VO2max in Recreationally Active Male Runners With a Preexercise Single-Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse.

BACKGROUND: Carbohydrate (CHO) mouth rinse has been used as an ergogenic strategy due to its central effect; however, the effects of this intervention during short-duration high-intensity exercises are not fully understood. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of CHO mouth rinse on time to exhaustion in a short-duration high-intensity exercise performed on a treadmill. METHODS: A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was conducted with 10 (24.1 [4.3] y) recreationally active male runners. The protocol consisted of a warm-up at 65% of VO2max for 5 min followed by 3 min passive rest. At the end of this rest period, the individuals performed their mouth rinse either with CHO (maltodextrin, 6%) or with placebo (industrialized noncaloric juice with the same taste). Immediately after mouth rinse, the subjects ran at velocity equivalent to 100% of individual VO2max until voluntary exhaustion. The perceived effort was obtained through a Borg scale. Blood lactate was quantified before and after the protocol, and heart rate was evaluated during the protocol. RESULTS: No difference was found (P = .90) in time to exhaustion between placebo (193.9 [46.5] s) and CHO mouth rinse (195.1 [51.8] s). Blood lactate, heart rate, and perception of effort increased in both groups, but with no differences (all variables, P > .05) between groups. CONCLUSION: The findings showed that a preexercise single-CHO mouth rinse was ineffective to improve running time to exhaustion at velocity equivalent to 100% VO2max on a treadmill in recreationally active male runners.

Isoflavone supplementation plus combined aerobic and resistance exercise do not change phase angle values in postmenopausal women: A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of isoflavone supplementation plus combined exercise protocol on phase angle (PhA) values in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Thirty postmenopausal women were randomly assigned in a double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial divided into two groups: 100 mg/day of isoflavone supplementation (n = 16) and 100 mg/day of starch (placebo; n = 14). In addition, both groups performed a combined aerobic and resistance exercise during 10 weeks. Body composition and PhA were evaluated by bioelectrical impedance. RESULTS: PhA values did not change in the isoflavone group (PRE: 6.7 ±â€¯0.7° to POST: 6.7 ±â€¯0.6°) and in the placebo group (PRE: 7.2 ±â€¯1.0° to POST: 6.8 ±â€¯0.5°); p group = 0.304, p time = 0.227, p group x time interaction = 0.137. Additionally, delta values were not different (0.04 ±â€¯0.5° vs. -0.40 ±â€¯0.99°; p = 0.176) between isoflavone and placebo groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: We conclude that isoflavone supplementation plus combined aerobic and resistance exercise did not change PhA in postmenopausal women. The patients were part of ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03008785.

Anthropometric and demographic predictors of handgrip strength and lean mass quality in hospitalized individuals.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Low strength and/or lean mass quality are associated with higher hospitalization and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the main demographic and anthropometric predictors of strength and lean mass quality in hospitalized patients. METHODS: We evaluated 136 patients (18-86 years) of both sexes, admitted in a public hospital. Waist circumference (WC) was measured using an inelastic tape, lean mass (LM) was assessed by bioimpedance, and handgrip strength (HGS) was performed using a dynamometer. Lean mass quality (HGS/LM) was also calculated. RESULTS: We noted that LM predicted 33.1% of HGS, whereas WC was not associated with HGS. Evaluating LM and WC in the same statistical model, WC (ß = -0.249, p = 0.001) increased the prediction of HGS by 4.7% when compared to LM alone. Accessing LM, WC, age, and sex in the same model an increase in the prediction of HGS by 7.3% was noted when compared to LM alone, but only LM and sex were significant. In addition, WC predicted the lean mass quality by 4% (ß = -0.205, p = 0.016) and when WC, sex, and age were placed in the same model; WC (ß = -0.172, p = 0.035) and sex (ß = 0.332, p < 0.001) explained the variations in lean mass quality by 15%. CONCLUSION: The main predictor of lower HGS was lower LM, whereas sex showed a low association. Furthermore, although a low association was found, higher abdominal obesity and sex predicted lower lean mass quality.

Comparison of predictive equations of lean mass in young and postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The lean mass (LM) is a predictor of functional capacity, quality of life, and mortality. In this way, the LM should be measured by reliable methods. However, it presents high cost and generally predictive equations are used in clinical practice, but little is known which is the best predictive equation of LM in women. The purpose of the present study was to verify which predictive equation of LM correctly estimates the LM in young and postmenopausal women. METHODS: Eighty-one women aged 19-81 years were evaluated. Body weight, height, waist circumference, and skin folds (bicipital, tricipital, subscapular and suprailiac) were measured. The LM was evaluated by DXA and also estimated using the predictive equations of Hume I, Hume II, Salamat, Kulkarni I, and Kulkarni II. Bland-Altman analysis was performed to evaluate the over/underestimation of the LM by predictive equations. RESULTS: The equations of Salamat, Kulkarni II, Hume I and Kulkarni I overestimated the LM by 0.0 (7.0; -6.9) kg; 2.3 (7.5; -3.0) kg; 5.1 (9.0; 0.4) kg; and 9.7 (16.3, 3.1) kg, respectively; whereas Hume II equation underestimated the LM by -16.9 (-11.5; -22.2) kg. CONCLUSIONS: The equation that presented a better prediction of LM was Salamat. However, it should be used with caution in clinical practice since this equation showed elevated confidence intervals and limits of agreements, and can lead to significant errors for some individuals.

Adductor pollicis muscle thickness has a low association with lean mass in women.

BACKGROUND & AIM: Lean mass (LM) is a functional component of body composition and is an important parameter of nutritional status assessment. The adductor pollicis muscle thickness (APMT) has been used as a predictor of LM, but it is not well known if this method presents a higher prediction of LM than simple anthropometric measurements, such as weight. Thus, we aimed to associate APMT (alone and plus weight) with LM in women. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 82 young and postmenopausal women. Body weight (Filizola®) and height (Welmy®) was quantified and APMT was measured by Lange® caliper. Body composition (LM and fat percentage) was estimated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: APMT was positively correlated with LM (r = 0.35; p = 0.001), however, weight was strongly correlated with LM (r = 0.81; p < 0.001). APMT showed a prediction of 12% of LM (ß = 0.346, R2 = 0.120, p < 0.001), and weight explained the variations of LM by 65% (ß = 0.808, R2 = 0.654, p < 0.001). When weight and APMT were evaluated together, there was an increase of only 0.06% in LM prediction (ß = 0.820, R2 = 0.655, p < 0.001), compared to weight alone. CONCLUSION: When compared to weight, APMT showed a low association with LM. These results suggest that a simpler anthropometric measurement, such as weight, can be a better predictor of LM than APMT.

Higher Protein Intake Does Not Improve Lean Mass Gain When Compared with RDA Recommendation in Postmenopausal Women Following Resistance Exercise Protocol: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a higher protein intake on lean body mass (LBM) gain in postmenopausal women practicing resistance exercise and compare it to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) recommendation. Twenty-three postmenopausal women (63.2 ± 7.8 years) were randomized into two groups. The group with higher protein intake (n = 11) (HP) received a dietary plan with ~1.2 g·kg-1·day-1 of protein, while the normal protein (NP) group (n = 12) was instructed to ingest ~0.8 g·kg-1·day-1 of protein (RDA recommendation). Both groups performed the same resistance training protocol, 3 times a week, with progression of the number of sets (from 1 to 6 sets) and 8-12 repetitions. The intervention occurred over 10 weeks. Body composition evaluation was performed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The diet was evaluated by nine 24-h food recall summaries over the course of the study. During the intervention period, the HP group presented a higher protein (1.18 ± 0.3 vs. 0.87 ± 0.2 g·kg-1·day-1, p = 0.008) and leucine (6.0 ± 1.4 vs. 4.3 ± 0.9 g/day, p < 0.001) intake than the NP group, respectively. At the end of the intervention, there were increases in LBM both in HP (37.1 ± 6.2 to 38.4 ± 6.5 kg, p = 0.004) and in NP (37.6 ± 6.2 to 38.8 ± 6.4 kg, p < 0.001), with no differences between the groups (p = 0.572). In conclusion, increased protein intake did not promote higher LBM gain when compared to RDA recommendation in postmenopausal women performing resistance exercise during 10 weeks. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT03024125.