A daily consumption of one gram of omega-3 fatty acids may slow biological aging by as much as four months, based on an analysis from the worldwide DO-HEALTH study’s clinical data. This research is notable for employing epigenetic clocks to assess the aging process.
Many individuals seek to postpone or halt the effects of aging. Earlier clinical research has indicated that reducing calorie intake may slow human aging. Additionally, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids have shown potential in decelerating biological aging in animal studies. However, it was previously uncertain if these findings would apply to humans.
The interventions examined in the DO-HEALTH study, directed by Heike Bischoff-Ferrari, are linked to a slowed aging process. The findings demonstrated that vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and regular exercise diminish the likelihood of infections and falls while also preventing cancer and early frailty. “These results motivated us to assess the direct effects of these three therapies on biological aging in the participants of the Swiss DO-HEALTH study,” states Bischoff-Ferrari, a professor of geriatrics and geriatric medicine at the University of Zurich.
Assessing Biological and Chronological Age
To make biological aging quantifiable, researchers utilize epigenetic clocks. These clocks track chemical changes in DNA—specifically, methylation—and measure the disparity between biological and chronological aging. The DO-HEALTH study marks the first time this molecular biological method has been examined for its responsiveness to targeted treatments.
Heike Bischoff-Ferrari’s team collaborated with Steve Horvath, a senior researcher at Altos Labs Cambridge (UK)—the innovator behind the clocks—to study the impact of omega-3s, vitamin D, and strength training on biological aging in 777 individuals over 70. They assessed eight different combinations of treatment throughout a three-year duration: participants received 2,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D, 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids (from algae), and/or engaged in 30 minutes of strength training at home three times a week.
Biological Age Reduced The researchers found that the intake of omega-3 fatty acids led to a slowdown in biological aging by up to four months across several epigenetic clocks, independent of the participants’ gender, age, or body mass index. One of the four clocks indicated that the synergy of omega-3s, vitamin D, and strength training was even more effective.
“This discovery builds on earlier findings from the DO-HEALTH study, which showed that the combination of these three elements significantly lessens the risk of cancer and averts premature frailty over three years, as well as slowing biological aging,” remarks Bischoff-Ferrari. Each measure operates through distinct yet complementary mechanisms, which enhance overall effectiveness when combined, according to the study’s authors.
DO-HEALTH as a Validation Resource
The research team also underscores the study’s limitations. “There is currently no universally accepted benchmark for measuring biological age,” explains Bischoff-Ferrari. “However, we analyzed the most reliable epigenetic clocks available that represent the current best practices.” To further facilitate clinical applications of biological clocks, Bischoff-Ferrari, along with other leading international researchers in the Global Health Span Extension Consortium, intends to utilize DO-HEALTH and additional global intervention studies as platforms to validate new aging biomarkers.
The researchers emphasize that the sample exclusively reflects Swiss participants, which does not represent the broader aging population of those 70 and older. Future analyses will incorporate participants from Germany, France, Austria, and Portugal, aiming to include more diverse genetics and lifestyles.
DO-HEALTH Trial
The 2,157 participants in the study were divided randomly into eight groups to evaluate the impacts of individual and combined interventions: Group 1 received 2000 IU of vitamin D3 daily (more than 200 percent of the recommended daily intake of 800 IU for older adults), 1 g of omega-3 fatty acids, and a simple home-based exercise routine three times a week; Group 2 received vitamin D3 and omega-3 fatty acids; Group 3 received vitamin D3 and the exercise routine; Group 4 received omega-3 fatty acids and the exercise routine; Group 5 received vitamin D3 alone; Group 6 received omega-3s alone; Group 7 engaged in the exercise routine alone; and Group 8 was given a placebo.
Participants were contacted every three months and underwent standardized, comprehensive assessments regarding health and functional status, including lifestyle elements like diet and physical activity, at various study milestones—baseline, year 1, year 2, and year 3. The DO-HEALTH cohort and biobank is recognized as the largest study focusing on healthy adults aged 70 and above in Europe and is led by the University of Zurich. The DO-HEALTH project is funded by the EU’s Seventh Framework Program for Research.
The epigenetic measurements received support from the Swiss National Science Foundation, with Bischoff-Ferrari as the principal investigator.
