An 8-week high-protein, omega-3-enriched diet in older adults reduces circulating levels of IL-10 and IL-1RA, indicating a shift in immune balance that is not fully accounted for by suppression of pro-inflammatory signals.

When older adults consume high amounts of omega-3 fats and whey protein, these nutrients enter immune cells and change how their membranes and internal signaling systems work. This causes the cells to become less reactive to triggers that normally turn on inflammation, leading to reduced production of molecules like IL-10 and IL-1RA, even though these molecules usually calm inflammation. The immune system shifts to a less active state overall, not just by turning down bad signals but by lowering the baseline activity of its calming signals too.