A new study suggests that taking one gram of omega-3 daily may slow down the aging process in humans. The research, published in Nature Aging, analyzed data from a clinical trial involving over 700 older adults over three years.
Previous studies have shown that reducing calorie intake may slow aging in humans. Other research, mainly conducted on animals or in small human trials, has suggested that vitamin D and omega-3 may also have anti-aging effects. However, scientists have been uncertain about whether these effects work in larger human populations.
In this study, researchers, including Heike Bischoff-Ferrari and Steve Horvath, used advanced molecular tools known as epigenetic clocks to measure how aging progressed over time. The trial involved 777 participants aged 70 and older from Switzerland.
Participants were divided into different groups and given different treatments. Some took 2,000 International Units (IU) of vitamin D daily, some took one gram of omega-3 per day, and some followed a simple home exercise program for 30 minutes three times a week. Some participants combined these treatments.
After analyzing blood samples, the researchers found that taking omega-3 on its own slightly slowed biological aging by up to four months over the three-year period. This effect was the same regardless of the participant’s sex, age, or body mass index (BMI).
The results were even better when all three interventions—omega-3, vitamin D, and exercise—were combined. One of the biological tests showed a stronger effect in slowing aging.
Beyond aging, the combination of these three interventions also had the biggest impact on reducing the risk of cancer and preventing frailty. Since each treatment works in a different way, the researchers believe that using them together reinforces their benefits, leading to a stronger overall effect.
However, the authors acknowledge some limitations. There is no universal standard for measuring biological aging, so they used the best-validated methods available. Additionally, because the study only involved Swiss participants, the results may not apply to the general global population of older adults.
Review and Analysis
This study provides interesting insights into how simple lifestyle changes—taking omega-3 and vitamin D and doing regular exercise—might help slow aging and improve overall health. The findings suggest that combining these strategies could be an effective way to maintain health as people grow older.
One key takeaway is that omega-3 alone showed some benefit, but its effects were stronger when paired with vitamin D and exercise. This highlights the importance of a combined approach to aging rather than relying on a single supplement.
Another important aspect is the study’s use of epigenetic clocks—a tool that measures changes in DNA linked to aging. This method is still relatively new, and while promising, it is not yet a gold standard for measuring aging in humans.
The study also has some limitations. Since it only included Swiss adults over 70, the results may not be the same for younger people or those from different backgrounds. Future research with more diverse populations will be needed to confirm these findings.
Overall, the study supports the idea that omega-3, vitamin D, and exercise can play a role in healthy aging. While more research is needed, these interventions are simple, accessible, and may offer benefits beyond just slowing aging, such as reducing the risk of cancer and frailty.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about why vitamin K is so important for older people, and this snack food may harm your heart rhythm.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies about vitamin that may protect you from type 2 diabetes, and results showing this common chemical in food may harm your blood pressure.
The research findings can be found in Nature Aging.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
