A Higher Blood Level Of Omega-3 Might Prolong The Life

Nikki Attkisson | Last Updated : July 29, 2021

Omega-3 fatty acids are common in supplements sold at pharmacies and nutrition stores. A number of health benefits can be attributed to this particular fatty acid.

Apparently, it might also add years to one’s life, as per a recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

A Higher Blood Level Of Omega-3 Might Prolong The Life

Polyunsaturated fatty acids are among the two main classes of fatty acids, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Since they are not produced by the body, these acids are considered “essential” because they add to the formation of cell membranes.

A Higher Blood Level Of Omega-3 Might Prolong The Life

As per the National Institutes of Health, omega-3s supply the body with energy and are used to make eicosanoids, which influence the body’s cardiovascular, pulmonary, immune, and endocrine systems.

A total of three types of omega-3 fatty acids make up the Omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA supplements can aid fetal development during pregnancy, so many people take them during that time. In addition to supplements, omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained from:

  • Soybeans
  • Canola oil
  • Flaxseed oil
  • Sardines, salmon, and tuna, among other fish, is considered to have Omega-3
  • Chia seeds

According to the NIH, some studies have revealed that omega-3 fatty acids are linked to a reduced risk for certain cancers, and improved quality of life, a lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease, and reduced symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

A new study on omega-3s

Scientists aimed to determine how omega-3 affects life expectancy. A study of 2,240 participants was conducted, analyzing the omega-3 levels in their blood over an 11-year period. There were four study groups:

  • People who did not smoke who had high omega-3 levels
  • People who smoked who had high levels of omega-3
  • People who do not smoke but have low omega-3 levels
  • Those who smoked but had low omega-3 levels

Study authors estimate age-related survival percentages by Kaplan-Meier survival curves considering a number of risk profiles. A person without smoking who had a high omega-3 blood level had the highest survival rate in their analysis. It was almost identical in terms of survival estimates for those who smoked and those who did not smoke based on omega-3 levels.

The lowest survival rate was found among individuals who smoked and had low omega-3 levels in their blood. Researchers at IMIM’s cardiovascular risk and nutrition research group say the study reaffirms what they have seen in recent years.

In an interview with Medical News Today, FARI director and study co-author Dr. William S. Harris discussed the findings of the study. The doctor explained that health care providers should encourage their patients to eat more omega-3 fatty acids, while also reducing the risk of other health conditions.

In addition to knowing a person’s cholesterol level or blood pressure, knowing their omega-3 index is just as important (if not more important) than treatment for all the other risk factors; eating fish or taking omega-3 supplements. To find out whether a person needs medical treatment, a person should speak to a doctor.

A few limitations

There were some limitations to the study. The study design, for instance, means Dr. Harris can’t be sure that other factors associated with higher omega-3 levels – such as a healthy lifestyle – do not really impact mortality risks.

According to Dr. Harris, it should not be interpreted that taking fish oils “eradicates” smoking’s negative effects, even though people with high omega-3 levels and people with low omega-3 levels had almost identical survival rates.

Summary

  • Several foods contain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are found in nature widely.
  • The objective of a recent study was to investigate whether omega-3 supplements affect human longevity.
  • People older than 65 with higher omega-3 levels in their blood have a lower mortality rate, according to researchers.

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Nikki Attkisson

With over 15 years as a practicing journalist, Nikki Attkisson found herself at Powdersville Post now after working at several other publications. She is an award-winning journalist with an entrepreneurial spirit and worked as a journalist covering technology, innovation, environmental issues, politics, health etc. Nikki Attkisson has also worked on product development, content strategy, and editorial management for numerous media companies. She began her career at local news stations and worked as a reporter in national newspapers.

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