Can vitamin D and omega-3 acids prevent frail health in elderly?

U.S. researchers recently stated that regular use of vitamin D, although widely recommended for bone health, and supplements with omega-3 fatty acids in general do not prevent frailty in healthy older adults.

They cited the results of their five-year study, which showed that none of the anti-inflammatory supplements had any effect on frailty.

By some estimates, the condition affects up to half of adults aged 85 and older, making it difficult for them to cope with external stressors and leading to an increased risk of poor health.

To come to this conclusion, researchers analyzed data from the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL clinical trial, known as VITAL, which enrolled about 26,000 U.S. adults. VITAL is also led by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

The study was published in the journal JAMA Network Open.

The researchers said the new results are consistent with previous studies, which found no significant difference in the prevalence or level of fragility when taking vitamin D3 or omega-3 fatty acids compared with placebo.

Study participants - ages 50 and older, none of whom had cancer or cardiovascular disease - completed questionnaires before the study began, six months after the study began, and annually for five years.

Frailty - weakness, and less ability to recover from acute stress - was assessed using an instrument called the Frailty Index on measures such as physical function, cognition, mood and overall health.

The research team encouraged older adults to exercise regularly and stick to a diet rich in plant foods, including olive oil, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and nuts - proven strategies.