Categories: Health

Taking Fish Oil May Slow Down Aging—Especially If Combined With These 2 Habits

How to Slow Down Biological Aging with Omega-3 Supplements and Exercise

According to a recent study, people who took fish oil supplements, also called omega-3, showed signs of slower biological aging. Researchers also found that combining fish oil with vitamin D supplements and exercise had an even greater impact on aging.

What is Biological Aging?

“Biological aging is the normal changes which happen as our body adapts to all the exposure of time,” says Kenneth Koncila, a geriatrician at Cleveland Clinic. However, your biological age isn’t the same as your chronological age, or the number of years you’ve lived. Instead, it’s “a measure of overall health and wellness.” Two people of the same chronological age could have different biological ages. As your biological age increases, your body may become less functional and efficient.

How the Study Linked These Habits with Slower Aging

For the study, published in the journal Nature Aging, researchers tracked 777 people over the age of 70 and measured their biological age using epigenetic clocks. These tools analyze how old a person appears to be on a cellular level. The researchers divided the study participants into different groups and had them try various therapies, including a daily vitamin D supplement, a daily omega-3 supplement, and 30 minutes of strength training three times a week.

Why Might Omega-3 Slow Biological Aging?

Omega-3 supplements may slow down biological aging because they help with inflammation, said Marie van der Merwe, a coordinator of the applied physiology and nutrition doctoral program at the University of Memphis. “Inflammation actually makes you age faster,” she said. “By reducing inflammation, you’re kind of improving cellular health.”

Conclusion

The study suggests that combining omega-3 supplements, vitamin D supplements, and exercise may help slow down biological aging. However, experts stressed that more research is needed before they can confidently recommend these two supplements for everyone. When it comes to supplements, more isn’t always better. If you’ve already been taking omega-3 and vitamin D, don’t increase the dosages because of this one study. If you haven’t been taking these supplements, discuss them with your primary care doctor. Exercise, though, is generally good for everyone.

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