A pre-clinical study has revealed that Epax's omega-3 nutraceutical, EPAX 4020TGN, can support the muscle contraction process, while also assiting muscle health and recovery post-injury.
The eight week study measured the efficacy of EPAX 4020TGN in supporting muscular function — with a keen focus on whether it could promote healthy ageing and injury recovery in the older generations.
Researchers at the University of South Florida gave rat models 33g/kg of the functional ingredient, which contains 10% DHA to 45% EPA ratio.
The potential of omega-3s in healthy ageing
Omega-3s have always been a cornerstone of the nutraceutical industry, with their use in supplements expanding through a wide range of niches.
One area that has been particularly interesting to scientists has been healthy ageing, as many studies have revealed the potential of omega-3s such as EPA and DHA as a potent anti-inflammatory agent.
This is notable as systemic inflammation is believed to be a significant contributor to accelerated ageing.
According to Epax, its omega-3 solution combines EPA and DHA at a ratio of 2:1, which is ideal for use in a supplement designed to mitigate inflammation, as EPA is a more potent anti-inflammatory agent than DHA.
Omega-3s for muscle health and recovery
Throughout the preclinical study in rats, it was observed that incorporating EPAX 4020TGN into the diet inhibited age-related loss in muscular strength.
Notably, the omega-3 ingredient also improved muscle strength following an injury, highlighting the nutraceutical's potential in supporting the ageing population who are more prone to falling.
Researchers believe that the functional ingredient exhibited its impact on muscular function by the resealing and repairing of cell membrane damage.
In vitro analysis further backs EPAX 4020TGN's efficacy
To support the effects seen in the animal models, the investigators looked into the impact of omega-3 on membrane damage.
They did this by conducting an in vitro analysis of muscle cells in culture, with one group being incubated in EPAX 4020TGN and one being left in a standard culture media containing no omega-3.
To assess how omega-3s could impact muscular recovery and repair, scientists inflicted a laser 'injury' on the skeletal myoblasts.
Findings reveal that exposure to EPAX 4020TGN could improve cell membrane repair after damage — backing up the results observed in the animal study.
Dr Derek Tobin, Clinical Research Manager at Epax, said: “These findings describe a novel means by which EPA and DHA supplementation can support muscle cell repair after injury, and help reduce the muscle decline that occurs as a result of ageing. Additionally, in a sports nutrition context, they demonstrate the potential benefits of Omega-3 for the improvement of muscle recovery after hard training.”
Reference
1 Russ DW, Sehested C, Banford K, Weisleder NL. Fish Oil Supplement Mitigates Muscle Injury In Vivo and In Vitro: A Preliminary Report. Nutrients. 2024 Oct 16;16(20):3511. doi: 10.3390/nu16203511. PMID: 39458505; PMCID: PMC11510179.
