Women who consume fish oil supplements regularly may delay the onset of menopause, as per recent research conducted by the University of Leeds. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,500 British women, was published in the journal “Nutrients” and revealed that women taking fish oil supplements had a significantly lower risk of experiencing early menopause compared to those who did not.
The research indicated a remarkable 95% decrease in the chances of menopause occurring earlier than the average onset age, which typically ranges between 45 and 55 years. Notably, non-white women, particularly South Asian women, tend to undergo menopause at an earlier age, with South Asian women experiencing it approximately five years earlier than the average.
Early menopause, occurring before the age of 45, poses heightened risks of various serious health conditions such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes. Conversely, later menopause, after the age of 55, increases the risk of certain hormone-related cancers. The timing of menopause significantly impacts about one-third of a British woman’s lifespan, highlighting its importance as a significant public health issue.
The University of Leeds team studied participants in the UK Women’s Cohort Study, monitoring their intake of supplements alongside lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and smoking habits. Apart from fish oil, the researchers identified other supplements associated with delayed menopause:
– Vitamin B-complex reduced early menopause risk by 52%
– Antioxidant mixtures (including vitamins A, C, E, selenium, and zinc) lowered risk by 46%
– Vitamin C alone decreased risk by 25%
On the contrary, women who smoked, consumed more red meat, or had lower educational levels tended to experience menopause earlier. The researchers explained that fish oil operates through various biological pathways, with omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil aiding in reducing inflammation and safeguarding the ovaries from oxidative stress, which accelerates aging. These fatty acids also support vital DNA repair mechanisms essential for reproductive health maintenance.
Nutritional scientist from the UK and advisor to Wiley’s Finest supplements, Toral Shah, who was not directly involved in the study, emphasized the impact of diet and supplements on long-term health. She highlighted the importance of omega-3 fatty acids, essential nutrients that must be obtained through diet or supplementation, especially for individuals who do not regularly consume oily fish.
Shah recommended a balanced diet rich in oily fish, fruits, and vegetables, suggesting high-quality Omega-3 supplements for those struggling with fish intake. She advised checking EPA and DHA levels on supplement labels, emphasizing the importance of high-quality fish oil for optimal absorption. Shah also advised quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and ensuring at least 150 minutes of exercise per week.
The research analyzed data from 3,566 women in the UK Women’s Cohort Study, established in the mid-1990s, focusing on diet, supplement use, and lifestyle habits in relation to menopause timing. While the study showed strong associations, it was observational and cannot definitively prove causation. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to validate these findings.