Frailty is defined as a reduced physiological reserve and ability to cope with acute stresses.
Up to half of adults over the age of 85 live with frailty and thus, preventative measures are greatly needed.
In a study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, scientists examined whether vitamin D3 or marine omega-3 fatty acid supplementation reduced the risk of frailty.
The researchers analyzed data from a clinical trial of more than 25,000 U.S. adults.
Participants completed questionnaires before the trial began, six months after its start, and annually throughout the trial’s five-year duration.
Assessment of frailty included measures of physical function, cognition, mood, and general health.
The team found that neither vitamin D3nor omega-3-fatty acid supplementation had any effect on frailty scores during the study period.
They conclude that these results do not support the routine use of vitamin D3 or omega-3 fatty acid supplements for frailty prevention in generally healthy, older adults.
The new findings are in line with previous results that do not suggest a role of vitamin D3 or omega-3 supplements for most healthy, community-dwelling older adults.
The team says doctors should consider deprescribing unnecessary pills, and instead promoting healthy lifestyle habits.
Regular exercise and the Mediterranean diet are proven strategies for the prevention of frailty and should be encouraged for all older adults.
These new findings are an important reminder that dietary supplements are not miracle pills or elixirs of youth.
If you care about health, please read studies about the optimal daily walking steps for longevity, and scientists find way to increase the longevity of cancer survivors.
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The study was conducted by Ariela Orkaby et al and published in JAMA Network Open.
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