title: The role for dietary omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in older adults.
abstract: Optimal nutrition is one of the most important determinants of healthier ageing, reducing the risk of disability, maintaining mental and physical functions, and thus preserving and ensuring a better quality of life. Dietary intake and nutrient absorption decline with age, thus increasing the risk of malnutrition, morbidity and mortality. Specific nutrients, particularly long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), might have the potential of preventing and reducing co-morbidities in older adults. Omega-3 PUFAs are able to modulate inflammation, hyperlipidemia, platelet aggregation, and hypertension. Different mechanisms contribute to these effects, including conditioning cell membrane function and composition, eicosanoid production, and gene expression. The present review analyzes the influence of omega-3 PUFAs status and intake on brain function, cardiovascular system, immune function, muscle performance and bone health in older adults. Omega-3 FAs may have substantial benefits in reducing the risk of cognitive decline in older people. The available data encourage higher intakes of omega-3 PUFAs in the diet or via specific supplements. More studies are needed to confirm the role of omega-3 FAs in maintaining bone health and preventing the loss of muscle mass and function associated with ageing. In summary, omega-3 PUFAs are now identified as potential key nutrients, safe and effective in the treatment and prevention of several negative consequences of ageing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Medicine Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 37, 00185 Rome, Italy. alessiomolfino@alice.it.
authors.forename: Alessio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Molfino
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Medicine Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 37, 00185 Rome, Italy. gioiag86@hotmail.it.
authors.forename: Gianfranco
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gioia
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Medicine Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 37, 00185 Rome, Italy. filippo.rossifanelli@uniroma1.it.
authors.forename: Filippo
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rossi Fanelli
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Medicine Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 37, 00185 Rome, Italy. maurizio.muscaritoli@uniroma1.it.
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Muscaritoli
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000187:drug effects*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000187:drug effects; D002319:Cardiovascular System; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity / Q000187:drug effects; D009132:Muscles / Q000187:drug effects; D009752:Nutritional Status
chemical_list: D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3