New research has found that neither vitamin D3 nor omega-3-fatty acid supplementation will help slow down the ageing process.
While some may take these supplements to combat becoming frail in their later years, the research concluded that they have no notable effect. The researchers have said that they would not recommend taking the supplements for those who are otherwise healthy.
"Our new findings from VITAL are in line with previous results that do not suggest a role of vitamin D3 or omega-3 supplements for most healthy, community dwelling older adults," said corresponding author Ariela Orkaby, MD, MPH, from the Division of Aging.
The research was carried out by the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Massachusetts, and looked at 25,000 adults over 50 through a five-year period. Researchers wanted to see what could be done to help prevent frailty in older adults.
The study defined frailty as a reduced physiological reserve and ability to cope with acute stresses. The researchers assessed frailty through measures that included physical function, cognition, mood, and general health.
Participants completed questionnaires before the trial began, 6 months after its start, and annually throughout the trial’s five-year duration. It was found that neither vitamin D3 nor omega-3-fatty acid supplementation had any effect on frailty scores during the study.
As a result, the author of the research, Doctor Orkaby, has suggested that the "unnecessary" supplements should be deprescribed in favour of proven ways to deal with frailty.
What has been proven to help with frailty?
According to the study, proven and effective ways to combat frailty include regular exercise and a healthy diet.
Ariela Orkaby, MD, said: "We should consider deprescribing unnecessary pills, and instead promoting healthy lifestyle habits. Regular exercise and the Mediterranean diet are proven strategies for prevention of frailty and should be encouraged for all older adults."
The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating that's rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans and peas, unrefined grains, olive oil and fish. It keeps dairy, meat and saturated fats to a minimum.
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