Using linoleic acid-rich oil to improve muscle strength in older adults

The Foods & Oil to Repair, Correct and Enhance Strength (FORCES) Study: Determining the Effect of Dietary Oils on Muscle Function, Strength and Mass

NA · Ohio State University · NCT06361511

This study is testing if taking a daily dose of linoleic acid-rich oil can help older adults with muscle weakness feel stronger and move better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment66 (estimated)
Ages65 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorOhio State University (other)
Locations1 site (Columbus, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT06361511 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial is designed to evaluate the effects of daily consumption of 12g of linoleic acid-rich oil on muscle strength, volume, fatigue resistance, and mobility in older adults with probable sarcopenia. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the linoleic acid supplementation or a placebo, allowing for a controlled comparison of outcomes. The study also aims to investigate the impact of this supplementation on mitochondrial function and cardiolipin species in skeletal muscle. By focusing on older adults, the trial addresses a critical aspect of aging and muscle health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are older adults with probable sarcopenia and low linoleic acid intake.

Not a fit: Patients with gastrointestinal disorders, severe kidney or liver diseases, or unstable heart conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved muscle strength and mobility in older adults, enhancing their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with dietary interventions for sarcopenia, but the specific use of linoleic acid-rich oil is a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Linoleic Acid Intake \<75% of the adequate intake
* Probable sarcopenia

Exclusion Criteria:

* Gastrointestinal diseases or disorders (including pancreatic and gastric bypass surgery) where consumption of the study foods would be contraindication or where the disease or disorder could negatively affect nutrient absorption and/or would prevent participants from tolerating the study foods
* Hyperthyroidism diagnosis
* Food Allergy or intolerances
* Any dietary restriction where consumption of the study foods or any ingredient would be contraindicated
* Unstable management of heart failure, heart disease events (including stroke or heart attack) within last 3 months prior to enrollment, a plan for heart surgeries or cardiac procedures
* Current or previous diagnosis of severe kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, other liver diseases/infections that cause liver damage and some pulmonary diseases or severe/uncontrolled pulmonary diseases
* Severe or uncontrolled rheumatologic or orthopedic diseases
* Current diagnosis of or current treatment of cancer other than non-melanoma skin cancer
* Neuromuscular or neurological conditions or diseases or use of mobility assistance (wheelchair, walker etc..) that would impact movement needed to perform the muscle function tests or prevent completion of the muscle function tests
* Use of mobility assistance (wheelchair, walker etc..) that would prevent completion of the muscle function tests
* Current use of supplements or medications for weight loss or following a weight loss program
* Use of supplements high in linoleic acid in the past 4 weeks prior to enrolling
* Pregnancy and lactation
* Alcohol or drug abuse
* Allergy/intolerance to lidocaine or similar medication
* Use of anticoagulant, antiplatelet, or other blood thinner medications
* Terminal Illness
* Any condition leading to muscle loss or weakness, impaired mobility or range of motion in legs (excluding normal aging)

Where this trial is running

Columbus, Ohio

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Sarcopenia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.