Omega-3 (EPA & DHA): inflammation-driven ageing, cell communication and cardiovascular healthy lifespan
Chronic low-grade inflammation, also called inflammaging, is regarded as an important driving force behind biological ageing. This ongoing inflammatory response can disrupt cell communication, speed up tissue damage, and raise the risk of heart and blood-vessel diseases, metabolic disturbances, and cognitive decline. Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), play a key role in the biochemical regulation of inflammation and repair processes.
At the biochemical level, EPA and DHA are built into cell membranes, where they improve structure, fluidity, and signal transmission. EPA and DHA also serve as forerunners of specialised pro-resolving mediators such as resolvins, protectins, and maresins, which not only restrain inflammation but also actively help bring it to an end. These mediators support the repair of tissues after an inflammatory reaction and are involved in mechanisms that help maintain homeostasis at the level of the whole body.¹
By influencing membrane structure, immune-cell activity, and signalling pathways, EPA and DHA help to tone down chronic inflammatory processes and promote efficient cellular communication. This closely matches several ageing mechanisms, including inflammaging and disturbed intercellular communication, and supports the idea that omega-3 fatty acids can help preserve functional health during ageing.²
Omega-3 fatty acids also influence cardiovascular risk factors on several levels. For instance, epidemiological studies and cohort analyses show that higher intake or higher EPA/DHA levels in the blood are linked with a lower risk of cardiovascular events in certain populations, especially in people with raised triglycerides or other risk factors.³
In terms of mechanism, EPA and DHA modulate fat metabolism, inflammatory reactions, endothelial function, and other cell processes that are important for cardiovascular health. They can lower triglycerides, support antioxidative pathways, and contribute to better blood-vessel function, all of which have positive effects on cardiovascular resilience.⁴ There is growing evidence that EPA and DHA can be beneficial for specific cardiovascular aims, especially at higher doses or in subgroups with raised risk.⁵
Moreover, omega-3 fatty acids play a role in other aspects of healthy ageing. They are important for normal brain function, partly through incorporation into neural membranes and support of neurotransmission and cognitive processes, which is relevant for healthspan.⁶
Within a longevity strategy, EPA and DHA are therefore not niche nutrients, but basic building blocks that help support inflammatory balance, cell communication, and cardiovascular resilience—factors that contribute to healthy function in the long term.
Sources:
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Review of the inflammation-modulating properties of omega-3 fatty acids and the role of pro-resolving mediators in immune regulation.
https://www.europeanreview.org/article/33310 -
Recent publication on omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular health: modulation of fats, inflammation, endothelial function, and other mechanisms.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41247613 -
Analysis of meta-analyses and clinical data linking lower risks of adverse cardiovascular events to higher omega-3 consumption or status.
https://healthcare-bulletin.co.uk/article/cardiovascular-outcome-of-omega-3-fatty-acids-a-systematic-review-2301 -
Mechanisms of EPA and DHA in relation to reduced cardiovascular risk factors such as fats, oxidative stress, inflammation, and blood-vessel function.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12628397 -
Systematic review position on the set-up of omega-3 research and effects on specific cardiovascular outcomes (for example, EPA-rich formulations).
https://www.lancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/piis2589-5370(21)00277-7/fulltext -
Systematic literature on omega-3 fatty acids, brain function, and lifelong health benefits (development, inflammation, cardiovascular functional aspects).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15366399
