Can omega-3s slow down the biological ageing process?

While many claim they hold the secret to slowing down the ageing process, whether it be exercise or healthy living, recent research has found that omega-3s could be the key to the fountain of youth.

A recent study by researchers from the University of Zurich found that a daily intake of one gram of omega-3s could slow down biological ageing.

In order to test the effects of omega-3s on the ageing process, the research team utilised a new method using epigenetic clocks. These clocks measure chemical changes in our DNA, known as methylation, to reveal the difference between biological and chronological age.

The study, led by Heike Bischoff-Ferrari and in collaboration with Steve Horvath, a senior researcher at Altos Labs, analysed the effects of omega-3s, vitamin D, and strength training on biological ageing in 777 participants over the age of 70.

Over three years, the participants tested different combinations of these treatments: taking 2,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D and/or one gram of omega-3s (from algae) daily, and/or doing 30 minutes of strength training at home three times a week.

When the researchers analysed blood samples, they discovered that taking omega-3 fatty acids alone slowed biological ageing by up to four months, no matter the participant’s age, gender, or body mass index.

The combination of omega-3s, vitamin D, and strength training had an even stronger effect, according to one of the epigenetic clocks.

“This result extends our previous findings from the DO-HEALTH study, in which these three factors combined had the greatest impact on reducing the risk of cancer and preventing premature frailty over a three-year period, to slowing down the biological aging process,” said Bischoff-Ferrari.

While these findings are promising in the world of anti-ageing, the researchers also note some limitations of the study.

“There is no generally accepted gold standard for measuring biological age,” Bischoff-Ferrari explained.

“However, we analyzed the best currently validated epigenetic clocks, which reflect the state of the art.”

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.