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What if a simple daily habit could influence our biological clock? A recent study suggests that regular consumption of omega-3s could play a key role in slowing down aging, opening promising prospects for public health.


Biological aging, a complex process marked by the gradual deterioration of cellular functions, is at the heart of much research. Scientists from the University of Zurich have explored the impact of omega-3s, vitamin D, and physical exercise on this phenomenon. Their findings, published in Nature Aging, reveal measurable effects on slowing aging.

Omega-3s, fatty acids with multiple benefits

Omega-3s, polyunsaturated fatty acids, are essential for health. Found in fatty fish, nuts, and seeds, they are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and their role in cardiovascular protection. This study highlights their potential to influence biological aging.

Researchers used epigenetic clocks to measure age-related DNA modifications. These tools allow for distinguishing chronological age from biological age, providing a precise view of the effects of interventions on aging.

A rigorous three-year study

The DO-HEALTH study included 777 participants aged 70 and older, divided into eight groups. Each group received either omega-3s, vitamin D, an exercise program, or a combination of these interventions for three years. The results were analyzed using four epigenetic clocks.

The data show that daily intake of one gram of omega-3s slowed biological aging by an average of three months. The effect was even more pronounced when omega-3s were combined with vitamin D and exercise, reaching up to four months of biological rejuvenation.

Potential implications for public health

Although the effect seems modest, it could have a significant long-term impact. Researchers emphasize that these interventions could reduce the risks of cancer and frailty, thereby improving the quality of life for older adults.

However, the study has some limitations, including an exclusively Swiss sample. Scientists plan to expand their analyses to other populations to validate these results and explore new biomarkers of aging.

To go further: What is an epigenetic clock?

An epigenetic clock is a scientific tool used to measure biological aging. Unlike chronological age, which simply corresponds to the number of years since birth, biological age reflects the health status of cells and tissues. These clocks are based on chemical modifications of DNA, such as methylation, to estimate biological age.

DNA methylation is a natural process that influences gene expression. With age, methylation patterns change, and these modifications can be used to predict biological age. Second- and third-generation epigenetic clocks, like those used in the DO-HEALTH study, offer increased accuracy in assessing the effects of interventions on aging.

These tools are particularly useful for studying the impact of environmental factors, such as diet or exercise, on aging. For example, they have shown that omega-3s can slow biological aging by altering DNA methylation patterns.

In summary, epigenetic clocks open new perspectives for understanding and potentially slowing aging. They could become key tools for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions aimed at extending healthy lifespan.

What is DNA methylation?

DNA methylation is a chemical modification that plays a key role in regulating gene expression. This process involves the addition of a methyl group (-CH3) to certain parts of the DNA molecule, usually at cytosines adjacent to guanines (CpG sites). These modifications can activate or deactivate genes without altering the DNA sequence itself.

Methylation is essential for development and maintaining cellular functions. It influences processes such as cell differentiation, stress response, and aging. With age, methylation patterns change, which can lead to abnormal gene expression and contribute to biological aging and age-related diseases.

Researchers use these modifications to create epigenetic clocks, tools that measure biological age by analyzing methylation patterns. These clocks allow for assessing the impact of interventions, such as nutrition or exercise, on aging. For example, the DO-HEALTH study showed that omega-3s alter these patterns, thereby slowing biological aging.

DNA methylation is thus a key mechanism for understanding how our environment and lifestyle choices influence our health and longevity.