Vitamin D3 or omega-3 fatty acid supplements do not prevent frailty in older adults

Reviewed by Emily Henderson, B.Sc.Sep 13 2022

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 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. 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 of vitamin D₃ or omega-3 supplements for most healthy, community dwelling older adults. We should consider deprescribing unnecessary pills, and instead promoting healthy lifestyle habits. Regular exercise and the Mediterranean diet are proven strategies for prevention of frailty and should be encouraged for all older adults."

Ariela Orkaby, MD, MPH, corresponding author, Division of Aging

"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.