Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Aging

Abstract Increasing the intake of omega-3, particularly the long-chain n-3 PUFA may be one strategy to prevent and/or reduce morbidity in the elderly. It is becoming increasingly evident that these fatty acids appear to be neuroprotective. In general, longitudinal studies are mainly positive, indicating a protective effect against subsequent cognitive decline. In intervention studies there are some discrepancies, but it seems that when DHA is given to individuals with mild cognitive impairment or age-related cognitive impairment the data appear to be positive, whereas when Alzheimer’s disease was already established no clear benefit is achieved. Results are promising and encourage further research in order to establish a safe and effective treatment solution. In the early 2000s, evidence from large-scale epidemiological studies suggested that people at risk of cardiovascular heart disease (CHD) benefit from consuming omega-3 fatty acids. Nowadays, some authors propose that the beneficial effects of omega-3 FA are not as large as previously implied and recommendations for widespread use should be tempered. Generalizability of the overview finding may be questioned and more studies are needed to evaluate specific outcomes and populations stratified by sex, age, CV risk, medication use, race, etc. This chapter also deals with the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on immune function, bone health, muscle tonus, cancer, and general quality of life in aging. Results are limited and in their initial stages—even though the elderly population is the largest group—but they could be considered as promising. It may be concluded that the number of studies and the methodology employed clearly lacks sufficient evidence, and that further specific and larger trials, as well as prospective studies, are required to definitely determine the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on aging and on quality of life.