LA-rich oil to help strong muscles as we age
Official title: Improving sarcopenia by targeting mitochondria
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11372304 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study will test whether adding a linoleic acid–rich oil to the diet improves muscle strength and walking ability in older adults with sarcopenia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 5, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $625,350 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG080184-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11372304 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 21 and older with sarcopenia who are able to participate in a dietary supplementation trial.
✕Less likely to help
Seniors without sarcopenia or those unable to tolerate dietary fat changes may not benefit.
What this research studies
As we age, muscle mass and function decline, increasing risk of disability. This project will give a linoleic acid–rich oil to older adults with sarcopenia in a phase II, double-blind, randomized trial to see if it can boost mitochondrial function and muscle performance. Researchers will measure muscle strength, mobility, and changes in a key mitochondrial lipid, cardiolipin, to understand how the supplement affects energy production in muscles. The goal is to identify a targeted dietary approach to slow or stop sarcopenia and improve quality of life for older people. Participation involves dietary supplementation and follow-up visits over the study period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could help preserve muscle strength and mobility in older adults with sarcopenia.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal studies showed mitochondrial improvements with LA-rich oil; human data are being tested in this trial.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Belury, Martha a — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Belury, Martha a
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.