New evidence shows this common dietary supplement slows down the aging process

There is a lot of scientific evidence supporting the cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. However, a new study has revealed that omega-3s may also slow down the biological aging process.

Effects studied in people aged 70 and over

An international team of scientists, including researchers from Monash University in Australia and the University of Zurich in Switzerland, has reported that omega-3 fatty acids may slow cellular aging in people aged 70 and over.

In a three-year study involving 777 people from five European countries, researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids biologically slowed the aging process.

Although this equated to about 2.9 to 3.8 months over three years, this result is promising for supporting healthy aging.

Study Results

The comprehensive study tested eight different treatments, which were distributed to 777 adults, combining different combinations of omega-3, vitamin D and physical activity (30 minutes three times a week).

The researchers found that analysis of blood samples taken after the study ended showed a significant difference between those who were assigned to the combination of omega-3, vitamin D and physical activity.

In addition, the omega-3 group performed better than those who took vitamin D alone.

It is also worth noting that participants who received all three interventions significantly outperformed the other groups in terms of reduced cancer risk.

The research team used several epigenetic clocks, which measure biological age based on biomarkers in blood and tissue.

They found that omega-3s had an effect on three of the four indicators (PhenoAge, GrimAge2 and DunedinPACE).

Participants in this Swiss study were required to consume only a small dose of omega-3s - one gram per day.

Focus on healthy aging

Omega-3s are naturally found in fish and seafood, eggs, flaxseed, and walnuts. You can also ensure optimal levels of these acids by taking dietary supplements.

True, this study had some limitations - for example, there was no single standardized method for assessing biological aging, and all participants were from European countries.

But he still presents encouraging results. They are consistent with previous animal studies that have shown omega-3 benefits for aging cells.

He also emphasizes the importance of molecular biomarkers in assessing “healthy aging” rather than simply counting years lived.