It is already known from previous studies that vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Sport and exercise, on the other hand, support the immune system and counteract inflammation, which can also prevent cancer. In the current study, the Swiss researchers therefore examined how well a combination of these three measures protects once morest cancer. It was found that all three measures individually had a small protective effect, but in combination they worked much better and were able to reduce the risk of cancer in older adults by 61. The study results are published in the journal Frontiers in Aging.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in adults in Europe following cardiovascular disease. The risk of getting sick increases with age. As part of the three-year study, the scientists at the University Hospital Zurich therefore wanted to find out whether there were simple ways of reducing the personal risk of illness.
2,157 people from five European countries took part in the study. They were divided into eight groups to analyze the individual and combined effects of vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids and exercise. Only one group received 2,000 international units of vitamin D per day, 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids per day, and simple home exercise three days per week. The remaining participants received only one or two of the measures, one group was only treated with placebos.
Which: DOI 10.3389 / fragi.2022.852643