Can Omega-3s Help You Age Slower? Science Says Yes

Aging—it happens to all of us. But what if something as simple as taking omega-3s every day could actually slow it down? That’s exactly what researchers at the University of Zurich found in a recent study. According to their findings, just one gram of omega-3 fatty acids daily can slow biological aging by up to four months. Not bad for a simple supplement!

How Did They Figure This Out?

Scientists used epigenetic clocks to measure aging—basically, they looked at tiny chemical changes in DNA (called methylation) to see how fast someone’s body is aging compared to their actual age. In the study, 777 people over 70 took part in different health interventions for three years, including:

• One gram of omega-3s (from algae) per day

• 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily

• 30 minutes of strength training at home, three times a week

And guess what? Omega-3s alone slowed down biological aging. But when combined with vitamin D and exercise, the results were even better.

Why Does This Matter?

This isn’t just about looking younger—it’s about staying healthier for longer. The same study also showed that omega-3s, vitamin D, and exercise together reduced the risk of infections, falls, cancer, and frailty. So not only could you be aging slower on the inside, but you might also feel stronger and more resilient in everyday life.

Is There a Catch?

The study does have some limitations. For one, there’s no universal way to measure biological aging yet—scientists are still figuring that out. Plus, this research was done only on Swiss participants, so we don’t know how these results apply to other populations just yet. But more research is coming, with participants from Germany, France, Austria, and Portugal, so we’ll get a better picture soon.

What’s the Takeaway?

If you’re looking for an easy way to support healthy aging, omega-3s, vitamin D, and strength training could be a powerful combo. While there’s no magic pill to stop aging completely (yet!), small, consistent habits can make a big difference over time.

So, next time you’re considering whether to take that omega-3 supplement—science says it’s probably worth it!

Link to Study