Daily Capsule with Age-Defying Potential Discovered, Study Shows.
In a remarkable discovery, researchers have found that taking a daily supplement capsule priced at just 12p could potentially slow down the ageing process and assist in keeping the body youthful. The study, led by Prof Heike Bischoff-Ferrari and in collaboration with senior researcher Steve Horvath at Altos Labs Cambridge (UK), delved into the effects of specific supplements on biological ageing. The experiment involved 777 participants who were divided into eight different treatment groups to investigate the impacts of various interventions.
Previous research has indicated that restricting calorie intake can have anti-ageing effects in humans, while positive outcomes have been observed in animals given vitamin D or omega-3 fatty acids. However, the extrapolation of these findings to humans remained uncertain until this study. Participants in the trial were assigned to take 2,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D and/or 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids daily, as well as engaging in 30 minutes of home strength training three times a week over a period of three years.
Utilising molecular biology tools such as epigenetic clocks, the research team analysed blood samples to evaluate the participants’ biological ageing rates. The results revealed that individuals taking omega-3 fatty acids experienced a slowdown in their biological ageing process by approximately four months. Surprisingly, this effect was consistent across genders, ages, and body mass indices. The combination of omega-3, vitamin D, and strength training demonstrated even more promising results according to one of the epigenetic clocks utilised in the study.
The findings from this research align with previous data from the DO-HEALTH study, a significant clinical trial involving multiple centres that explored the effects of vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and exercise on ageing in individuals over the age of 70. These interventions were linked to a reduced risk of infections and falls, as well as preventative measures against cancer and premature frailty, according to reports from the Daily Record. Prof Bischoff-Ferrari highlighted the significance of these results, stating that the combination of interventions not only lowered the risk of cancer and frailty but also showed potential in slowing down the biological ageing process.
While acknowledging the limitations of the study, including the exclusive focus on Swiss participants which may not represent the broader global population, Prof Bischoff-Ferrari emphasised the use of validated epigenetic clocks to assess biological age. Future plans involve expanding the analysis to encompass participants from Germany, France, Austria, and Portugal within the DO-HEALTH study to account for a more diverse genetic and lifestyle pool.
Omega-3 fish oil capsules containing the beneficial fatty acids are readily available for purchase in health stores and supermarkets. Retailing for £28.99 for a pack of 240 1000mg capsules, each capsule equates to approximately 12p. This affordable and potentially age-defying supplement has the potential to revolutionise anti-ageing interventions and offer a simple yet effective means of promoting long-term health and vitality.
In conclusion, the groundbreaking study sheds light on the promising effects of a daily supplement in slowing down the biological ageing process. By combining omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and strength training, individuals may not only reduce the risk of age-related conditions but also potentially reverse the ageing clock. Further research and trials are warranted to validate these findings on a larger and more diverse scale, offering hope for a future where ageing may be delayed and quality of life enhanced through accessible and affordable interventions.