Omega-3 Supplements Slow Biological Aging, Swiss Study Claims

Clinician-scientist Heike Bischoff-Ferrari and geroscientist Steve Horvath co-authored a study published in Nature Aging, showing that omega-3 and vitamin D supplements, taken over a three-year period, slowed biological aging by three to four months—particularly when combined with exercise—Felicity Nelson reported.

Researchers reviewed data from more than 700 participants aged 70 or older, who were randomly assigned either a placebo or omega-3, vitamin D, and exercise—alone or in combination.

Biological aging is measured at the molecular level, meaning that people of the same chronological age can experience faster or slower age-related decline depending on their health.

A three-to-four-month slowing of biological aging may seem small, but it could translate into significant public health benefits, such as a reduced prevalence of age-related health conditions, says Bischoff-Ferrari of the University of Basel in Switzerland.

The study analyzed data from the DO-HEALTH trial, which examined the effects of supplements and exercise in older adults across five European countries from 2012 to 2014.

Researchers reviewed data from more than 700 participants aged 70 or older, who were randomly assigned either a placebo or omega-3, vitamin D, and exercise—alone or in combination.

All participants were from Switzerland, and about half were healthy, with no major chronic illnesses or disabilities.

Blood samples collected at the start and end of the study were analyzed using four biological clocks, which measure aging by tracking the addition and removal of methyl groups in DNA.