Cancer trials support Omega 3's role in lean weight gain

Researchers from the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh recently studied the effects of an omega 3-rich diet on 200 cancer patients, comparing weight and lean body mass. A protein drink containing 2g EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) was incorporated into the diets of a group of patients, with another group drinking the protein formula without the EPA.

Before undertaking the test, the patients were losing weight at an average rate of 3.3kg a month. But after eight weeks, both groups stopped losing weight and some started to gain a little.

As not all patients were compliant with the regime, researchers took a closer look at the compliant subjects and found that there were significant correlations between consumption of the EPA drink and gains in weight and lean body mass. There was no significant correlation in the non-EPA group.

Increased EPA levels in the bloodstream were associated with gains in weight and lean body mass.

The body can make its own EPA but this ability is commonly impaired due to insufficient levels of essential fatty acid precursors in the diet. Alpha-linolenic acid (as in flaxseed oil) is converted to EPA and DHA, another omega 3 fatty acid. EPA and DHA can be found in quality fish oils, salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring or trout.