Changes in red cell shape in healthy elderly subjects taking low dose fish oil: pilot study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Hematology

Background:

• Elderly individuals often exhibit altered red blood cell morphology.
• Investigating the impact of nutritional interventions on cellular health in aging populations is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the effects of low-dose fish oil on red blood cell shape and blood pressure in healthy elderly subjects.
• To assess changes over a 16-week treatment period and an 8-week follow-up.

Main Methods:

• Red blood cell shape was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy.
• Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance.

Main Results:

• The percentage of red blood cells with surface changes was significantly higher in elderly subjects compared to younger controls (24.0% vs. 14.4%).
• Fish oil intake led to a decrease in red blood cell surface changes, reaching a minimum at 8 weeks, followed by an increase and subsequent decline during follow-up.
• Mean blood pressure was not significantly altered by fish oil, although a trend towards greater blood pressure reduction was observed in subjects on antihypertensive medications.

Conclusions:

• Dietary supplementation with low-dose fish oil is associated with alterations in red blood cell shape in the elderly.
• The specific mechanisms driving these observed changes in red blood cell morphology remain unexplained.