A new study suggests that a combination of omega-3 supplements, vitamin D, and regular exercise can slow biological aging by several months over a three-year period. The findings, published in Nature Aging, offer promising insights into how lifestyle interventions may contribute to healthier aging.

The research, derived from the DO-HEALTH trial, analyzed data from over 700 older adults across five European countries. Participants, all aged 70 and above, were randomly assigned to either a placebo group or a regimen including omega-3 (1 gram per day), vitamin D (2,000 IU per day), and 30 minutes of exercise three times a week. The study found that those who adhered to this combination experienced a measurable reduction in biological aging, assessed using four epigenetic clocks that track changes in DNA methylation—a key indicator of aging at the molecular level.

Dr. Heike A. Bischoff-Ferrari, MD, MPH, DrPH, from the University of Basel and the University of Zurich, explained the significance of these findings. "Our results indicate that omega-3 supplementation can slow biological aging in humans, and when combined with vitamin D and exercise, the effect is even stronger. Over three years, biological age was slowed by 3 to 4 months. While this may seem modest, the implications for public health could be substantial," she stated.

Previous research from the DO-HEALTH trial had already demonstrated that omega-3 supplementation reduced the risk of falls by 10% and infections by up to 13%. Moreover, the combination of omega-3, vitamin D, and exercise was linked to a 39% reduction in pre-frailty and a 61% lower risk of invasive cancer.

The study’s co-author, Dr. Steve Horvath, PhD, emphasized that these findings reinforce the potential of public health strategies to enhance longevity. "The results suggest that simple, affordable interventions such as omega-3 and vitamin D supplementation, combined with regular exercise, could help extend health span in older adults. The benefits observed in preventing infections, falls, and cancer align with the slowing of biological aging," Horvath explained.

While the findings are promising, experts caution that further research is needed to determine whether these molecular-level changes translate into extended life expectancy or improved long-term health outcomes. Some researchers also suggest breaking down future studies into more distinct parts to better assess the individual and combined effects of these interventions.

Dr. Clifford Segil, DO, a neurologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, noted, "I appreciate efforts to explore how vitamin D and omega-3 impact biological aging, especially when combined with exercise. However, I would have liked to see separate analyses to clarify how each factor contributes individually."

Despite the need for further investigation, the study underscores the potential for lifestyle choices to influence aging at a biological level. Researchers are now working on expanding their findings through the Global Health Span Extension Consortium, which aims to validate and develop new measures of biological aging. As science continues to explore interventions for healthier aging, omega-3, vitamin D, and regular exercise may emerge as key components of longevity-focused public health strategies.