Vitamin D and omega-3s enhance the health of some active older people

By 2030, one in three people in Europe will be 65 or older, and all of these people will want to enjoy their old age and lead an active lifestyle. But to do so, it is important for people to maintain their physical and mental health.

Recruitment: Easy and cheap prevention

A VITAL study in the United States published last year showed that vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids did not reduce the risk of developing new cancers or major cardiovascular diseases in men and women between the ages of 50 and 60. I did. DO-HEALTH in old age investigated the effects of these supplements on aging. The EU-sponsored project is Heike A, a professor of geriatrics and aging studies at the University of Zurich, head of the clinic at the University of Zurich Hospital, and a senior physician at the University of Geriatrics Clinic at Waid and Triemli Hospitals. .Bischoff-led by Ferrari. In Zurich.

The first findings of a three-year clinical trial, published by an international team of researchers, found that it did not affect lower limb function, memory, or the incidence of fractures. However, the results of this study suggest that some subgroups experienced increased benefits of vitamin D and omega-3 supplementation with respect to lower infection rates and systolic blood pressure compared to controls. ..

Largest randomized, double-blind study of old age

For their study, researchers recruited 2,157 relatively healthy men and women over the age of 70 who lived at home and had no significant pre-existing conditions. About half of the participants come from Switzerland, followed by Austria, Germany, France and Portugal.

They were randomized into eight groups, with either omega-3 fatty acid supplementation (1 gram / day), vitamin D supplementation (2,000 IU / day), and / or simple interventions, one, two, or I didn’t get all three. Home exercise program. Neither the trial center nor the participants knew which group they belonged to. The control group was given a placebo and a control exercise focused on joint flexibility.

During each of the three years of study, seven European study centers conducted comprehensive all-day visits to observe participants’ health and function, and conducted extensive telephone surveys every three months. .. Researchers have examined, for example, bone and muscle density, blood pressure, memory function, walking speed, and important biomarkers. In addition, they recorded events such as new illnesses, infections, falls, doctor visits, and hospitalizations.

Significant positive effect only on some subgroups

“Our findings show that supplementing adults over the age of 70 with an active lifestyle and no existing condition with vitamin D and omega-3s has any benefits in terms of bone health, memory, and muscle function. It suggests that there is no such thing. I believe it affects infectious diseases such as Covid-19, “said Bischoff-Ferrari.

Omega-3 fatty acids reduced the risk of infection by a total of 11%, especially in upper respiratory tract infections (10%) and urinary tract infections (62%). Vitamin D, on the other hand, reduced systolic blood pressure in men by 2.5 mmHg, reducing the risk of infection. 16% of young participants (70-74 years old).

“Given the high safety and low cost of these supplements, and the high mortality associated with infection in the elderly, these findings are highly relevant to the health of the general population,” Bischoff-Ferrari said. Stated. The gender-specific effects of vitamin D on lowering systolic blood pressure also require additional research.

Place the findings in the appropriate context

Researchers believe that the lack of impact on bone health, muscle function, and memory is due to the relatively good health of the study participants. In addition, about half of the participants were so-called healthy elderly people, who had no existing condition or vitamin D deficiency. In addition to the supplements prescribed in the study, they were also allowed to take 800 IU of vitamin D daily. “Therefore, the results are consistent with the federal public health service’s current recommendations on vitamin D supplementation and fall prevention for the elderly, or the proven preventive effects of exercise programs,” says Bischoff-Ferrari.

Unique database for old age research

The research team is currently looking forward to the results of DO-HEALTH interventions in terms of cancer prevention, cholesterol levels, cardiovascular disease, falls, weakness, and health costs. “Then we can fully assess the role of supplements in preventive geriatrics,” says Bischoff-Ferrari. In the future, comprehensive databases and biobanks set up for DO-HEALTH studies are also expected to help individuals assess their aging processes and health risks early and individually for the purpose of individual prevention. I am. “Ultimately, the goal of DO-HEALTH is to allow more people to age in a healthy and active way,” says Bischoff-Ferrari.

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Literature:

Heike A. Bischoff-Ferrari et al.. For the DO-HEALTH research group. Effects of Vitamin D Supplements, Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements, or Strength Training Exercise Programs on the Clinical Outcomes of the Elderly. DO-HEALTH randomized clinical trial. JAMA, 10. November 2020. Doi: 10.1001 / jama.2020.16909

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