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Jul 2023
1h 36m

#081 The Anabolic Potential of Omega-3 F...

RHONDA PATRICK, PH.D.
About this episode

Dr. Chris McGlory is an assistant professor at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Known for his work in the field of muscle physiology and aging, Dr. McGlory's research focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle protein synthesis and degradation, with a particular emphasis on the roles that omega-3 fatty acids play in maintaining muscle health in older adults.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • (00:00) Introduction
  • (05:50) Start of interview
  • (13:03) Why atrophy is worse for the old than the young
  • (15:23) Can dietary protein prevent atrophy?
  • (17:35) Why reduced movement can insidiously mimic short-term immobilization
  • (22:51) The disability threshold — when atrophy may actually be deadly
  • (24:58) Does high-dose omega-3 hold the key to fighting atrophy? (5g/day)
  • (28:35) Does omega-3 help muscle respond more optimally to low protein?
  • (41:37) Why omega-3 must be preloaded for 4 to 6 weeks
  • (44:20) Why omega-3 trials have conflicting results
  • (50:16) Does omega-3 enhance strength?
  • (52:42) Sex differences in gaining mass and strength
  • (54:46) Improvements in gait speed and balance (muscle performance / physical performance battery)
  • (55:49) How to act on mixed evidence — and should we?
  • (58:17) Why omega-3 may reduce frailty in old age
  • (1:01:59) Why the anabolic mechanisms are counterintuitive (going beyond the canonical anti-inflammatory role of omega-3)
  • (1:07:42) Do omega-3s boost tired, dysfunctional mitochondria?
  • (1:15:16) Why we need an "omega-3 index" for muscle
  • (1:18:52) Why the inflammation from cancer wastes muscle
  • (1:20:38) Does omega-3 reduce atrophy from cancer cachexia?

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Show notes are available by clicking here

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