We’ve never shied away from promoting healthy eating habits- essential for anyone who wants to age in as healthy a way as possible. We’ve also previously described why one important aspect of a healthy diet is the inclusion of Omega-3 fatty acids. They are essential, polyunsaturated fats that your body doesn’t produce, so your diet must include them. Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to all kinds of health benefits, including improved heart and brain health, support for nervous system functioning, and reduced inflammation. There are plant-based sources for you to eat (walnuts, seeds, edamame, for example), or meat and fish sources (most importantly salmon). Many foods, including dairy and eggs, are often fortified with Omega-3 fatty acids, so it’s important to read labels and understand nutrients to ensure you’re receiving an appropriate daily dose. For more on the types of foods and quantities you need for sufficient Omega-3 fatty acids daily intake, pull out your salmon plank and click here. And if you’re looking for specific guidance concerning your fish intake, read here.

Some newly published studies now expand upon the health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids, providing that much more reason to make sure your diet includes sufficient amounts. First, from Duke University and the National University of Singapore comes research published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation that Omega-3 fatty acids may play a role in brain myelination. Myelin creates an insulating membrane around nerves so that nerves can quickly send electrical signals to each other. You naturally lose myelin as you age, and its loss can mean nerves are no longer functioning properly. The study out of Duke demonstrated that Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to the build-up of myelin in the brain and help preserve what’s already in place. While this research can’t lead to any firm conclusions, it does suggest that Omega-3 fatty acids may play a role in supporting cognitive function as you get older. For more on this study, click here. However, it’s too soon to make any definitive claims about whether Omega-3 fatty acids benefit your brain health, and certainly the research to date doesn’t warrant you supplementing your diet for this purpose.

However, other studies highlight additional benefits from Omega-3 fatty acids. In a study recently presented at the 2023 meeting of the American Society for Nutrition and the Canadian Society for Nutrition, researchers from Tufts University and the University of Guelph presented data showing a correlation between blood levels of Omega-3 fatty acids and hearing difficulties in a population of middle-aged and older adults. Those participants who had higher DHA levels (one type of Omega-3 fatty acid) had less hearing loss than those with lower levels of DHA in their bloodstream. As the lead researcher stated, “Higher DHA levels have previously been found to be associated with a lower risk of heart disease, cognitive impairment, and death. Our study extends these findings to suggest a role for DHA in maintaining auditory function and helping reduce the risk of age-related hearing loss.” Given that age-related hearing loss cannot currently be reversed and 50% of adults 75 and over report disabling hearing loss, this may portend a meaningful forward step toward understanding how to prevent or lessen factors leading to hearing loss. For more on this research, put in your hearing aid and click here.

Finally, in a previously understudied area, researchers have found that Omega-3 fatty acids may play a role in keeping your lungs healthy. Published in The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, this new study found that higher rates of Omega-3 fatty acids in the blood of participants were associated with a reduced rate of lung function decline, something that naturally occurs with age but is also a result of diseases such as Covid-19 and COPD. While further research needs to determine the causes behind this and whether this holds true in more diverse populations, it does underscore once again the value of ensuring that your diet has sufficient levels of Omega-3 fatty acids to support a range of health benefits. So spread some lox on that bagel and read more here.