Effects of Omega-3 Supplementation in Sarcopenia After Bariatric Surgery: A Triple-Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Abstract
Background: Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity but induces substantial muscle loss, potentially leading to sarcopenia. Omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with improved muscle metabolism, but their effect in the postoperative period of bariatric surgery remains unclear.
Methods: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial following CONSORT guidelines. Patients undergoing bariatric surgery were randomly assigned to receive omega-3 supplementation (2000 mg/day of EPA + DHA) or placebo (sunflower oil) for 90 days, including 15 days preoperatively and 75 days postoperatively. Assessments were performed at baseline, 45 days and 105 days after the start of supplementation. Outcomes included skeletal muscle mass (bioelectrical impedance [BIA]), handgrip strength (HGS) and functional performance (timed up and go [TUG] test).
Results: Fifty-eight patients were randomized (81% women; mean age 38.2 ± 9.9 years; mean body mass index [BMI]: 41.1 ± 4.6 kg/m2). At baseline, intervention and control groups were comparable in weight (112.7 ± 19.1 vs. 113.0 ± 17.9 kg; p = 0.946), muscle mass (33.5 ± 7.5 vs. 32.5 ± 7.3 kg; p = 0.603), HGS (33.3 ± 9.6 vs. 35.4 ± 10.2 kgf; p = 0.428) and TUG (8.7 ± 3.0 vs. 8.7 ± 1.8 s; p = 0.912). Between baseline and 105 days, muscle mass decreased significantly in both groups (-3.1 ± 0.3 kg; -2.2 ± 0.5 kg; both p < 0.001), without interaction between groups (p = 0.300). HGS remained stable (Δ -0.8 to +2.3 kgf; all p ≥ 0.364), and TUG…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design.
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