Vitamin D₃, ω-3 Fatty Acids, and Strength-Training Exercise for Healthy Older Adults

Strength-training exercises and various dietary supplements often are promoted for healthy older adults, but their benefits are unclear. In this European study, researchers assessed the value of combinations of strength-training exercises and supplementation with vitamin D₃ and ω-3 fatty acids in 2157 adults (age, >70; mean age, 75) with no major chronic diseases or health events in the past 5 years. Primary outcomes were blood pressure, cognitive and physical function, incident nonvertebral fractures, and infections. People with substantial prior vitamin D₃ or ω-3 use were excluded.

Interventions were vitamin D₃ (2000 IU daily), ω-3 (1 g daily), and prescribed strength-training exercise (30 minutes, thrice weekly). Participants were randomi…