A recent study in New Frontiers shows that Omega-3 fatty acids do help to slow the aging process and investigating the link between Omega 3 and ageing.
The full article is published according to the accreditation shown at the end of this post, I have summarised a small part of the article below.
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA ( Docosahexaenoic Acid – a fatty acid found in cold water, fatty fish such as Salmon) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid – which comes from the same source) play a crucial role in maintaining health. However, the internal production of these fatty acids in the human body is extremely limited, and blood levels of Omega-3 are primarily dependent on dietary intake.
The American Heart Association recommends that adults consume at least 250–500 mg of DHA and EPA daily to support cardiovascular health. The primary dietary sources include Omega-3-rich fish such as salmon and sardines, as well as certain plant-based foods like flaxseeds and chia seeds, which contain Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA). Although dietary supplements provide an alternative means of obtaining Omega-3 fatty acids, when dietary intake is sufficient, obtaining Omega-3 from natural food sources is considered more consistent with a holistic approach to healthy eating. Particularly, EPA and DHA, as crucial components of cell membranes, are vital for brain health and the maintenance of cognitive functions.
Studies suggest that Omega-3 fatty acids, by enhancing synaptic plasticity (the way the brain cobbles things together) and neurogenesis (the way the brain builds and repairs itself), improve cognitive functions in the elderly, exhibiting significant neuroprotective effects.
Moreover, their anti-inflammatory properties play a crucial role in combating the chronic inflammatory states associated with aging. (my italics) In terms of cardiovascular protection, Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to reducing cardiac events and lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which is significant for preventing common cardiovascular issues during aging.
Omega-3 fatty acids also positively impact maintaining a healthy metabolic rate and body composition, with studies finding Omega-3 supplementation to increase metabolic rates at rest and during exercise, and reduce body fat content, countering the common aging-associated reductions in muscle mass and metabolic slowdown. In cognitive function, although the findings are not consistently aligned, some studies indicate that Omega-3 supplementation helps reduce depressive symptoms in the elderly, which may indirectly reflect its positive impact on cognitive health.
Overall, Omega-3 fatty acids have demonstrated a broad range of potential benefits in delaying aging and related diseases.
Apart from the main take-away that Omega 3 should be part of your healthy food intake, it is also clear that one is better off by eating the fatty fish and seed original sources of Omega 3 rather than taking Omega 3 in some sort of supplement form.
Citation: Wu D, Jia Y, Liu Y and Shang M (2024) Dose–response relationship of dietary Omega-3 fatty acids on slowing phenotypic age acceleration: a cross-sectional study. Front. Nutr. 11:1424156. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1424156
(follow New Frontiers, top of blog page link, to find the full article. The above post has been taken from the article and I have added explanations of some terms)
Comments