Taking vitamin D3 and omega-3 fatty acid supplements does not reduce the risk of frailty. Healthy lifestyle habits and Mediterranean diet can prevent frailty in older adults.
Highlights:
Vitamin D3 and omega-3 fatty acid supplements may not work wonders in prevention of frailty, reports a new study.//- Vitamin D3 and omega-3 fatty acid supplements are not effective in reducing the risk of frailty
- Exercising regularly and following the Mediterranean diet can help older adults avoid getting frail as they age
Frailty May Increase Death Risk
Weak patients in any age group are more likely to die. Increasing frailty at any age is associated with poor patient outcomes, thereby leading to increased risk of death.
Weak patients in any age group are more likely to die. Increasing frailty at any age is associated with poor patient outcomes, thereby leading to increased risk of death.
‘VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL) study suggests that taking vitamin supplements such as vitamin D3 and omega-3-fatty acid may not be effective in preventing frailty among older adults. However, practicing regular exercise and following a Mediterranean diet could be the best way to avoid or delay age-related frailty.’
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What is Frailty?
Frailty is defined as reduced physiological reserve and ability to cope with acute stresses. Up to half of adults over the age of 85 live with frailty and thus, preventative measures are greatly needed. Investigators at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, were interested in examining whether vitamin D3 or marine omega-3 fatty acid supplementation reduced the risk of frailty.The researchers analyzed data from the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL), a clinical trial of more than 25,000 U.S. adults, also led by investigators from the Brigham. Participants completed questionnaires before the trial began, 6 months after its start, and annually throughout the trial’s five-year duration. Assessment of frailty included measures of physical function, cognition, mood, and general health.
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When are Vitamins Used as Drugs?
Vitamins are essential for critical functions in the body and partake in drug-nutrient interactions. Vitamins could be considered drugs as they may spark a light in preventing, mitigating, and treating disease.
Vitamins are essential for critical functions in the body and partake in drug-nutrient interactions. Vitamins could be considered drugs as they may spark a light in preventing, mitigating, and treating disease.
Effect of Vitamin D3 and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation in Frailty Prevention
The investigators found that neither vitamin D3 nor omega-3-fatty acid supplementation had any effect on frailty scores during the time period. They conclude that these results do not support routine use of vitamin D3 or omega-3 fatty acid supplements for frailty prevention in generally healthy, older adults.“Our new findings from VITAL are in line with previous results that do not suggest a role for vitamin D3 or omega-3 supplements for most healthy, community dwelling older adults,” said corresponding author Ariela Orkaby, MD, MPH, from the Division of Aging.
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Routine Use of Drugs for Pain & Sleep Raises Frailty Risk
ORI, FAU study is the first to show statistically significant links between regular use of pain and/or sleep prescriptions and frailty risk in older adults.
ORI, FAU study is the first to show statistically significant links between regular use of pain and/or sleep prescriptions and frailty risk in older adults.
Healthy Strategies to Avoid Frailty in Seniors
“We should reconsider taking only necessary pills and promote healthy lifestyle habits. Regular exercise and the Mediterranean diet are proven strategies for the prevention of frailty and should be encouraged for all older adults.”“These new findings from VITAL are an important reminder that dietary supplements are not miracle pills or elixirs of youth,” added JoAnn Manson, MD, DrPH, director of the main VITAL trial and chief of the Division of Preventive Medicine at the Brigham.
Test Your Knowledge on Multivitamins
Multivitamins are commonly taken by several healthy people, which may make you wonder if you need them. The following quiz will help you get a clearer view of the necessity and benefits of multivitamins.
Multivitamins are commonly taken by several healthy people, which may make you wonder if you need them. The following quiz will help you get a clearer view of the necessity and benefits of multivitamins.
Reference:
- Effect of Vitamin D3 and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Risk of Frailty - An Ancillary Study of a Randomized Clinical Trial - (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2796088)
Source-Eurekalert
