Vitamin D and Omega-3s Boost the Health of Some Active Seniors

The DO-HEALTH study led by Zurich-based geriatrician Professor Heike Bischoff-Ferrari looked at the effects of simple measures on the health of healthy adults aged 70 or older. Early analyzes suggest that vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and strength training do not significantly improve bone health, leg function, and memory. However, certain groups of people could still benefit from these measures.

By 2030, one in three people in Europe will be over 65, and all of these people will want to enjoy their old age and lead an active life. To be able to do this, however, it is essential that people maintain their physical and mental health.

Wanted: simple and inexpensive prevention

Published last year, the VITAL study in the United States found that vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids did not reduce the risk of developing new cancer or major cardiovascular disease in men and women aged 50 to 60 years old. Today, the largest European study on aging, DO-HEALTH, investigated the effects of these supplements on aging. The EU-funded project is led by Heike A. Bischoff-Ferrari, Professor of Geriatric Medicine and Aging Research at the University of Zurich, Head of Clinic at Zurich University Hospital and Senior Physician at the Clinic University of Geriatrics at Waid and Triemli Hospitals in Zurich.

The first results of the three-year clinical trial published by the international team of researchers found no effect on lower limb function, memory or the incidence of bone fractures. However, the results of the study suggest that, compared to the control group, some subgroups experienced increased benefits from vitamin D and omega-3 supplementation in reducing infection rates and systolic blood pressure.

The largest randomized, double-blind study in old age

For their study, the researchers recruited 2,157 relatively healthy men and women aged 70 or older who lived at home and did not have significant pre-existing conditions. About half of the participants came from Switzerland, followed by Austria, Germany, France and Portugal.

They were randomized into eight groups and received none, one, two or all three of the following interventions: omega-3 fatty acid supplementation (1 gram / day), vitamin D supplementation (2000 IU / day) and / or a simple home exercise program. Neither the test centers nor the participants knew which group they belonged to. Control groups received placebos and performed control exercises focusing on joint flexibility.

During each of the three years of the study, the seven European testing centers made full-day visits to observe participants’ health and functions, while also conducting in-depth telephone surveys every third. month. The researchers looked at, for example, bone and muscle density, blood pressure, memory functions, walking speed, and important biomarkers. In addition, they recorded events such as new illnesses, infections, falls, doctor visits and hospital stays.

Significant positive effects for certain subgroups only

“Our results suggest that vitamin D and omega-3 supplementation in adults aged 70 and over who lead active lifestyles and who do not have any pre-existing disease provide no benefit in terms of bone health, memory and muscle function. However, we believe there is an effect on infections, such as COVID-19, ”says Bischoff-Ferrari.

Omega-3s reduced the risk of infections by 11% overall, especially for upper respiratory tract (10%) and urinary tract (62%) infections, while vitamin D lowered systolic blood pressure in men of 2.5 mmHg and the risk of infections in men. 16% younger participants (70 to 74).

“Given the high safety and low costs of these supplements as well as the high mortality associated with infections in the elderly, these findings are highly relevant to the health of the general population,” says Bischoff-Ferrari. The gender-specific effects of vitamin D on lowering systolic blood pressure also warrant further research.

Put the results in the right context

The researchers attribute the lack of effect on bone health, muscle function, and memory to the relatively good health of the study participants, most of whom exercised regularly. In addition, about half of the participants were said to be healthy elderly people with no pre-existing conditions or vitamin D deficiency. In addition to the supplementation prescribed by the study, they were also allowed to take 800 IU of vitamin D per day. “The results therefore do not contradict the current recommendation of the Federal Office of Public Health on vitamin D supplementation and the prevention of falls in the elderly, nor the proven preventive effects of exercise programs,” says Bischoff- Ferrari.

Unique database for research on old age

The study team is now awaiting results from the DO-HEALTH interventions for cancer prevention, cholesterol levels, cardiovascular disease, falls, frailty, and health costs. “We can then fully assess the role of supplementation in preventive geriatrics,” says Bischoff-Ferrari. Going forward, the comprehensive database and biobank set up for the DO-HEALTH study should also help assess the aging process and the health risks of each person early and individually, with the aim of personalized prevention. “Ultimately, the goal of DO-HEALTH is to enable more people to age in a healthy and active way,” says Bischoff-Ferrari.