Vitamin D, Omega-3s, and Strength-Training May Offer No Benefit in Healthy Older Adults

By Cara Adler

Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH, and Lorenzo Di Francesco, MD, FACP, FHM

Among adults aged 70 or older with no major comorbidities, treatment with vitamin D, omega-3s, or strength-training exercise does not seem to improve a range of physical and cognitive outcomes, according to a randomized, controlled trial in JAMA.

Roughly 2150 community-dwelling older adults in Europe were randomized to vitamin D3 (2000 IU per day), omega-3s (1 g per day), or a strength-training exercise program — alone or in various combinations — or placebo. After 3 years, there were no significant differences between the interventions and controls in any of the outcomes studied: change in systolic or diastolic blood pressure, Short Physical Performance Battery score, or Montreal Cognitive Assessment score; or incidence of nonvertebral fractures or infections.

Dr. Thomas Schwenk of NEJM Journal Watch General Medicine will offer his take on these findings in the coming days. Stay tuned.