omega-3 fish oil

If I could turn back time…

We've all thought it.  Cher sang about it.  But is it possible to turn back time with respect to the aging process?  Well, a recently published 2025 study in the journal Nature Aging (PMID: 39900648) demonstrated the following:

• 1 gram of omega-3 fish oil taken daily over 3 years slowed biological aging by 2.9 to 3.8 months.

• The effects on biological aging were even greater when omega-3 was combined with daily vitamin D and exercise.

Specifically, the study found that omega-3 supplements were associated with a slowdown in four biological age tests, which rely on DNA methylation analysis.  The data is from the DO-HEALTH clinical trial.  

Study limitations

The researchers acknowledged study limitations, including analysis of only two time points and the lack of a gold standard measure of biological aging. 

Why I like it

As an orthopedic surgeon, I like omega-3 fish oil for its anti-inflammatory effects, which have been demonstrated in multiple peer-reviewed studies.  It has even been shown to help specifically with symptoms of arthritis in addition to supporting heart health.  

Potential side effects

Potential side effects of fish oil include gastrointestinal upset and thinning of the blood.  One recent study suggested a possible link to atrial fibrillation, but more research is needed.  As always, check with your doctor before starting it or any new supplement.