Fish oil and protein combo tested for COPD muscle loss

NCT ID NCT01624792

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether taking fish oil supplements (containing EPA and DHA) along with a protein drink could help people with COPD build muscle. Sixty-four participants took either fish oil or a placebo for four weeks. Researchers measured muscle protein synthesis to see if the combination improved muscle building.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Fish oil (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) and protein (casein)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a nutritional strategy to help COPD patients maintain or gain muscle mass.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study with only 64 participants. The results may not apply to all COPD patients, and the effect on muscle mass may be minimal.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease muscular atrophy

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Texas A&M University

    College Station, Texas, 77843, United States