Associação entre os ácidos graxos plasmáticos ômega-3 e a força muscular de acordo com o consumo proteico: NHANES 2011-2012

Abstract

Introduction: Muscle strength is an important predictor of quality of life. Low muscle strength is associated with negative health outcomes; therefore, the preservation of muscle strength is important. Although protein is the main nutrient related to strength, omega-3 (ω-3) has been studied as a nutrient that could benefit muscle strength. Aim: To evaluate the association between plasma ω-3 and muscle strength, according to protein intake. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 1708 individuals aged between 20 and 80 years. Data from the 2011-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used. Plasma ω-3 was assessed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Muscle strength was assessed using handgrip strength and the sum of the highest value for each hand was considered. Linear regression analyses to assess the association between plasma ω-3 and muscle strength according to protein intake, for the total sample and separated by age group (young people: < 60 years old; older people: ≥ 60 years old) were performed. The protein intake ranges were divided as follows: < 0.8g/kg/day (hypoproteic); ≥ 0.8g/kg/day - < 1.2g/kg/day (normoproteic); ≥ 1.2 g/kg/day (hyperproteic). Results: Plasma ω-3 and their subtypes (alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were not associated with muscle strength regardless of protein intake and age group. Conclusion: Plasma ω-3 is not associated with muscle strength according to protein intake. Keywords: ω-3, Muscle strength, Protein