Fish Oil Supplements May Slow Down Aging Process, Swiss Study Finds
Fish oil, widely recognized as one of the most popular dietary supplements, has long been celebrated for its high omega-3 fatty acid content, which is crucial for maintaining good health. Now, new research suggests that the daily consumption of fish oil supplements may significantly slow down the aging process and potentially even prevent the signs of aging that occur with the passage of time.
A study conducted in Switzerland reveals that omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D can help slow down the biological aging process. While chronological age is determined by one’s birth date, biological age is a measure of physical and mental functions. Factors like genetics, lifestyle, and other elements influence biological age, and the higher it is, the greater the risk of developing various diseases.
The study involved 777 participants who were given omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin D supplements. The findings indicated that these supplements, along with regular physical activity, helped reduce the risk of diseases, including cancer, and prevented premature physical weakness.
The research further revealed that within just four months of omega-3 supplementation, multiple aspects of the genetic clock showed positive effects, slowing the progression of biological aging. According to the researchers, combining omega-3, vitamin D, and strength-building exercises proved to be especially effective.
The results of this study confirmed the findings of previous research. However, researchers noted that their study is unique because it focused on humans, whereas most earlier studies were conducted on animals. The study also found that these supplements contributed to a reduced risk of cancer and physical weakness over a span of three years.
Researchers pointed out that multiple mechanisms contribute to these effects and acknowledged that the study was somewhat limited, suggesting that further research is needed to substantiate these findings. The study was published in the *Aging* journal.
