A recent study published in the journal Nature Aging suggests omega-3 and vitamin D supplements could slow biological aging, particularly among older adults. Conducted over three years, the research reveals how daily intake of one gram of algae-based omega-3 may decrease biological aging processes by several months. This groundbreaking study, led by clinician-scientist Heike Bischoff-Ferrari and geroscientist Steve Horvath, included over 700 participants aged 70 and above from five European countries.
Horvath, who also takes the supplements daily, insists on the importance of these findings. “I do this every morning with my coffee,” he stated, underscoring the practical application of their research. According to the study, participants who consumed omega-3 along with vitamin D and engaged in regular exercise exhibited three to four months' slowing of their biological aging. Such minor changes could translate to significant public health benefits through lowered incidence rates for age-related health conditions, said Bischoff-Ferrari, who is based at the University of Basel.
The study was part of the larger DO-HEALTH trial, which analyzed the effects of supplements and exercise on older populations. It measured biological aging using four different epigenetic clocks—tools developed to track age-related DNA changes. “The use of multiple DNA methylation clocks is a strength, as different clocks capture distinct aspects of biological aging,” explained Luigi Fontana, biogerontologist at the University of Sydney. The analysis included blood samples taken at the beginning and end of the research, focusing on DNA methylation patterns correlated with aging.
Participants were divided among various groups; one group received omega-3 supplements, another vitamin D, and the remaining part took both plus engaged in exercise. Despite the comprehensive analysis, findings suggest more than just the supplements contributed to slowing biological aging. The combination of omega-3 with exercise and vitamin D had the most pronounced effect. Specifically, participants taking omega-3 averaged three months less aging than those who did not.
Although the results are promising, they come with limitations. Experts like Gustavo Duque from McGill University caution against drawing overly broad conclusions from the study. “We cannot draw conclusions from this study,” Duque emphasized, pointing to the need for control group diversity for wider applicability. He echoed sentiments shared by Professor Kevin McConway, who pointed out the importance of seeing the effects on biological aging clocks continue post-study. “This study is interesting, but there’s so much it can’t tell us,” McConway added.
This research opens the door to future studies focusing on diverse populations with varied health backgrounds. Bischoff-Ferrari herself acknowledged the necessity of applying these findings to different cultural contexts. “It must also be investigated whether the findings can be applied to people from other countries,” she noted.
Significantly, this study builds on earlier findings from the DO-HEALTH project, which reported additional health benefits including reduced risk of invasive cancers (by 61%) and pre-frailty (by 39%). Regarding supplementation, both omega-3 and vitamin D contribute to overall health improvements, especially concerning cardiovascular wellbeing. Steve Horvath concluded, “Clearly, these interventions are not the cure against aging. This study reinforces my commitment to taking a low-dose omega-3, vitamin D, and exercising regularly, all in moderation.”
Despite advancements, researchers like Leonard Schalkwyk from Essex University provide healthy skepticism, highlighting the incremental nature of the reported benefits. “This study detects... for elderly people assigned to vitamin D, omega-3, and exercise,” Schalkwyk said, indicating the limitations of reflecting true youthfulness.
Dr. Mary Ni Lochlainn, also encourages older adults to engage in simple, low-cost interventions from the study. “They are beneficial and worth engaging for adults as they get older,” she remarked. The general conclusion from the research is clear—while the effect on biological aging clocks appears minimal, persistent small changes could have significant population health impacts. Therefore, incorporating omega-3 and vitamin D supplements alongside regular exercise may be instrumental as society strides toward healthier aging practices.