A new clinical trial suggests that daily doses of omega-3 oils can slow the ageing process, with healthy older individuals showing a three-month reduction in biological age after taking one gram of the essential fatty acid for three years. The study, which involved nearly 800 people aged 70 and over, found that combining omega-3 with vitamin D and exercise boosted this effect to nearly four months.
Researchers used epigenetic clocks to measure DNA methylation, a chemical process that reflects biological age rather than chronological age. The trial showed that omega-3 slowed ageing, while the combination of omega-3, vitamin D, and exercise had an additional beneficial effect.
The study’s findings raise the prospect of inexpensive and accessible ways to improve healthspan – the number of years spent in good health before a decline in old age. However, more research is needed to determine whether slowing ageing translates to people living healthier for longer. The results are tentative, but the potential benefits are significant, with some experts hailing the study as a prototype for future research on reversing ageing.
Previous studies have suggested that omega-3 may affect the ageing process, but this trial provides conclusive evidence of its effectiveness. The researchers used a combination of omega-3 supplements and other interventions to assess their impact on healthspan. The study’s findings are significant, not just for individuals but also for the population as a whole.
While some experts have expressed caution about the study’s results, others see it as a promising step towards improving healthspan. One expert noted that the findings “reinforce my commitment to taking a low-dose omega-3, vitamin D, and exercising regularly.” Overall, the study suggests that omega-3 supplements may be a valuable tool in slowing ageing and promoting healthy longevity.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/feb/03/an-omega-3-dose-a-day-could-slow-ageing-process-healthspan-trial-finds