Fish and omega-3 intake and health in older people

Epidemiological studies have linked fish consumption with increased
longevity and improvements in age-related conditions such as
cognitive decline and cardiovascular disease (CVD) [1–3]. Fish is a rich
source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA),
marine-derived omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) which are
the suggested mediator of such health benefits. However, fish is also a
source of other nutrients which are important for healthy ageing such
as protein, calcium, iron and vitamin E and D. Whether benefits of
omega-3 PUFAs can be obtained via supplementation as opposed to
consuming fish as part of the usual diet is still not fully understood.
Further, whether these health benefits are obtained when high intakes
of fish and/or supplements commenced in older adulthood as opposed
to over the lifespan is also of interest. In the past 12-months, several
large and high-quality studies on this topic have been published.