A new study has found that taking one gram of omega-3 per day may help slow down the aging process in older adults. The research, published in Nature Aging, analyzed data from a clinical trial involving over 700 participants and found that omega-3, along with vitamin D and exercise, had noticeable effects on biological aging.
Studying the Effects of Omega-3 on Aging
Previous studies have suggested that reducing calorie intake could slow aging in humans. Other research has looked at whether vitamins, like vitamin D, or omega-3 fatty acids might have similar effects, but results have been unclear.
In this study, researchers, including Heike Bischoff-Ferrari and Steve Horvath, used epigenetic clocks—a molecular tool that measures changes in DNA—to track aging rates over three years. The study included 777 Swiss adults aged 70 and older, who were divided into different treatment groups.
Participants either:
- Took 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily,
- Took 1 gram of omega-3 daily,
- Did a 30-minute home exercise program three times a week,
- Or followed a combination of these interventions.
Key Findings
- Omega-3 Slows Aging: Participants who took omega-3 showed a moderate slowing of biological aging—up to four months over three years. This effect was consistent across age, sex, and body mass index.
- Stronger Results with Combined Treatments: The biggest impact was seen in participants who combined omega-3, vitamin D, and exercise. This group showed even greater slowing of aging according to one of the biological tests.
- Additional Health Benefits: The combination of all three interventions also led to a lower cancer risk and a reduced chance of frailty over the three-year period.
How These Interventions Work Together
The researchers suggest that omega-3, vitamin D, and exercise each support the body in different ways but work better together. Omega-3 may reduce inflammation, vitamin D supports bone and immune health, and exercise improves muscle strength and cardiovascular function.
When combined, these interventions reinforce each other, creating a stronger effect on slowing biological aging.
Study Considerations
The researchers acknowledge that biological aging does not have a single standard measure, so they used the best-validated tools available. Additionally, since the participants were all from Switzerland, the results may not fully apply to older adults in other parts of the world.
Despite these limitations, the findings suggest that simple lifestyle changes—like taking omega-3 supplements, ensuring enough vitamin D, and engaging in regular exercise—could help slow aging and improve overall health in older adults.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about berry that can prevent cancer, diabetes, and obesity, and the harm of vitamin D deficiency you need to know.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies about the connection between potatoes and high blood pressure, and results showing why turmeric is a health game-changer.
The research findings can be found in Nature Aging.
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