Can fish oil help older people feel less inflamed when they exercise?
Does omega-3 supplementation added to exercise attenuate inflammaging? Effects on circulating interleukin-6 in older adults: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
The effect was statistically significant despite only 4 studies and high variability.
Most people assume meta-analyses need dozens of studies to be reliable—this one found a real signal with barely enough data to be credible.
Practical Takeaways
If you're over 60 and already exercising, adding 1–2g of EPA/DHA daily might slightly reduce inflammation—no harm, maybe a tiny benefit.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
The effect was statistically significant despite only 4 studies and high variability.
Most people assume meta-analyses need dozens of studies to be reliable—this one found a real signal with barely enough data to be credible.
Practical Takeaways
If you're over 60 and already exercising, adding 1–2g of EPA/DHA daily might slightly reduce inflammation—no harm, maybe a tiny benefit.
Publication
Journal
Physical Therapy Journal of Indonesia
Year
2026
Authors
Ni Made, Dian Hartaningsih, D. Wihandani, I. Made, Winarsa Ruma, I. Putu, Yuda Prabawa
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Claims (2)
For older people, taking omega-3 fish oil pills along with regular exercise may slightly lower a body chemical called IL-6 that's linked to inflammation as we age — but it’s a very small change, and we don’t know if it really matters for health.
Taking omega-3 supplements may help lower inflammation in your body, which you can see through blood tests that measure markers like CRP and IL-6.