No sign of dubious origin found in the nutritional supplement suspected to extend lifespan

No sign of dubious origin found in the nutritional supplement suspected to extend lifespan

Biological aging, indicated by epigenetic clocks, has become a primary focus of aging research. These biological markers offer insights into an individual's rate of aging and potential strategies to slow it down. An international research team conducted a study to find out if consuming a specific nutrient could help slow biological aging, even later in life.

The investigation involved almost 800 participants from the European DO-HEALTH study. They were subjected to specific interventions, including daily intake of 2,000 IU of vitamin D, one gram of omega-3 fatty acids, and a strength training program.

Initially, the interventions seemed to positively impact one epigenetic clock, PhenoAge, but not the others. However, a follow-up analysis showed that omega-3s had a more significant effect on the clocks than initially thought. The results indicated that taking one gram of omega-3s daily slowed aging on three of four DNA methylation clocks by approximately 2.9 to 3.8 months over a three-year period.

Co-author Dr. Heike Bischoff-Ferrari from the University of Zurich emphasized the importance of these findings, saying, "Our findings show a robust signal that omega-3 supplementation, algae-based and one gram per day, rejuvenated biological age by, on average, three months in three years."

The study also highlighted other benefits associated with omega-3 supplementation. Small-scale analyses showed that omega-3s lowered the risk of falling and a combination of omega-3, vitamin D, and exercise reduced the risk of pre-frailty and invasive cancer.

The DO-HEALTH participants had a mean age of 75 at the study's start, with 59% being women. Around half were healthy agers, meaning they were free of chronic diseases, disabilities, cognitive impairments, and mental health limitations. Most participants were physically active.

If you're looking to incorporate more omega-3s into your diet, fatty fish is a good source, but it requires consuming one to two servings per day to meet the one-gram daily dose used in the study. However, algae-based omega-3s are a popular alternative among vegans, and krill oil, obtained from tiny crustaceans feeding on ocean algae, may be the next best option. Krill oil is better absorbed than fish oil and contains no fishy aftertaste. Additionally, it contains astaxanthin, an antioxidant known for its anti-aging properties, anti-inflammatory benefits, and high EPA content, which blocks pain.

1. The international research team discovered that consuming one gram of omega-3s daily could potentially slow down biological aging in individuals.
2. The study involving 800 participants showed that omega-3 supplementation, particularly algae-based, rejuvenated biological age by an average of three months in three years.
3. Taking one gram of omega-3s daily was found to slow aging on three out of four DNA methylation clocks, delaying aging by approximately 2.9 to 3.8 months over three years.
4. Apart from slowing biological aging, the study also revealed that omega-3 supplementation lowered the risk of falling and a combination of omega-3, vitamin D, and exercise reduced the risk of pre-frailty and invasive cancer.
5. Incorporating more omega-3s into one's diet can be achieved through fatty fish, but consuming one to two servings per day is required to meet the one-gram daily dose used in the study.
6. Vegans may find algae-based omega-3s to be a popular alternative, while krill oil, derived from tiny crustaceans feeding on ocean algae, could be the next best option due to its high absorption rate and lack of fishy aftertaste, as well as its anti-aging properties and anti-inflammatory benefits.

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