Researchers at the University of South Florida have found that fish oil supplements can speed up muscle recovery in aging rats. The findings of their respective study were published in the journal Nutrients.

Their experiment was carried out on old (22 months old) and adult (eight months old) rats. Before starting the study, the researchers were convinced that the regeneration of muscle cells after injuries in aging rats occurred at a slow rate.

Fish oil supplements (45% eicosapentaenoic acid and 10% docosahexaenoic acid) were added to these animals' rations and the rate of regeneration was observed. After seven days, 78 percent of the rats recovered from muscle injuries at a rate comparable to their younger littermates. As a result, researchers hypothesized that fish oil can enhance cell membrane repair, thereby promoting accelerated recovery.

Researchers noted that taking fish oil supplements can benefit humans as well. According to them, older people participate relatively less in physically demanding activities, but they are still susceptible to mechanical muscle injuries during their normal training and daily activities. Falling also poses such a risk. Even in the absence of fractures, they still can lead to muscle injuries.