Fish and Seafood Provide Omega-3s for Healthy Aging and Longer Longevity

Omega-3s are a type of healthy fat that humans must draw from food. The results of the study suggest that it is a good idea for older adults to have more omega-3s in their diet, especially in seafood, the authors wrote. The best sources include cold-water fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring and sardines.

The researchers analyzed omega-3 levels in the blood of 2,622 adults using data from the cardiovascular study of older Americans. The group was 74 years old when the data were collected in 1992 and 1993. The blood tests were repeated six and thirteen years later.

The tests measured concentrations of four types of omega-3 participants: three from seafood, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). ; and one found in plants, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The fatty acids derived from seafood are known as long-chain omega-3s.

Over the years, 89% of study participants experienced unhealthy aging, chronic illness, or physical or mental decline. However, 11% had a long, healthy life: no heart disease, no cancer, no physical limitations, no cognitive problems or problems with daily life.

When the researchers analyzed the data, it appeared that the presence in seafood fish of higher concentrations of long-chain omega-3s – but not plant derivatives – was associated with a risk of aging. insalubrious reduced by 18%.

Those with the highest levels of omega-3 consumed one more serving of fish per week than the lowest-level group.

"What we remember is that this study supports national dietary guidelines to consume more seafood," Lai said. "If you are 65 and over, it would be a good idea."

Some caveats to remember: First, omega-3 levels can be influenced by both diet and metabolism. Some genetic factors are at stake. Second, it was an observational study. Researchers can not say that eating more seafood improves the health of older people, Lai said. An accompanying editorial published in the BMJ warned against using the results "to inform public health policy or nutritional guidelines".

Nor has the research been designed to analyze the effectiveness of fish oil supplements. Lai refused to comment on this question. According to the National Health Interview Survey, fish oil is the most popular non-vitaminized dietary supplement that American adults take.

Omega-3 supplements do not reduce the risk of heart disease and the evidence is inconclusive or does not show that they are beneficial for other conditions, but people who consume fruit 1 to 4 times a week are less likely to die from heart problems. noted the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

In the study, people with the highest omega-3 blood concentrations consumed two servings of seafood a week, one more per week than people with omega-3 blood levels. the lowest.

Do you want to know your levels? Ask your doctor if you are concerned, says Lai.

Paul Greenberg, author of "The Omega Principle: Seafood and the Quest for a Long Life and a Healthier Planet", had his blood analyzed after a year of eating fish at each meal for one year. It had about 11% omega-3 in the blood – most Americans have less than 5%. A result greater than 8% is desirable.

"Someone told me that I had the blood of a Sicilian fisherman in the 1890s," Greenberg told TODAY's HUI.

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