Research has shown that omega-3 increases immunity and aids cardiovascular health and brain function. Recently, research results have indicated that omega-3 goes beyond simply benefiting health and has effects on slowing biological aging.
Dr. Heike Bischoff-Ferrari's research team at the University of Zurich in Switzerland conducted an experiment to determine how omega-3 affects biological aging in 777 adults aged 70 to 91 living in Switzerland. Bischoff-Ferrari noted, "Omega-3 plays a role in various pathways related to aging, such as anti-inflammatory effects," adding, "We were curious about what benefits might arise when vitamin D is combined with exercise."
The research team divided the 777 participants into eight groups. They segmented the group taking 1g of omega-3 daily from those taking a placebo, further dividing them into groups that consumed 2000 IU of vitamin D daily and those who engaged in strength training three times a week for 30 minutes. Some groups took only omega-3 without vitamin D or strength training, while others took only the placebo but did incorporate vitamin D or strength training.
Over three years, the research team took blood samples from participants to estimate biological ages using epigenetic clocks. This advanced technology can estimate the rate of biological aging and its progression through a state known as DNA methylation. As individuals age, changes in DNA methylation groups that impair cellular functions are analyzed to estimate biological age.
The results indicated that omega-3 has a significant effect on delaying biological aging. The group that consumed only omega-3, without vitamin D or strength training, showed an average delay in biological aging of about three months compared to the group that took only the placebo. Conversely, groups that took neither omega-3 nor engaged in strength training found no effect in delaying biological aging. The research team explained, "This study is the largest clinical trial demonstrating that simple supplementation can contribute to delaying biological aging."
The group that combined omega-3 with vitamin D and strength training exhibited even greater effects, showing an average delay of about four months in biological aging.
The average age of the experimental participants in this study was 75. The research team explained that for older adults, a period of 3 to 4 months can lead to significant changes related to aging, making this number particularly important.
The research team noted that follow-up studies are necessary to clarify what changes in DNA biomarkers mean concerning cognitive ability, physical function, and cardiovascular health among the elderly. Estimating biological age through changes in DNA methylation is, by definition, merely an estimation, and it is still difficult to ascertain its actual health-related implications.
References
Nature Aging (2025), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s43587-024-00793-y