Dietary eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid for mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics

Skeletal muscle is a key metabolic tissue that has been purported to be affected by omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Although the mechanisms remain unclear, recent evidence has shown that these benefits may in part be mediated by the capacity of n-3 PUFAs to be incorporated into skeletal muscle membranes including mitochondrial membranes, potentially altering mitochondrial biosynthesis and dynamics. The following chapter will address current evidence from in vitro, animal, and human studies regarding the effects of n-3 PUFAs on skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics.