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Every person has their chronological age and biological age: The former is how many years you’ve been on this planet, while the latter reveals how old your body actually is, based on a bunch of biomarkers. And although you can’t change your chronological age, a growing body of research suggests you may be able to sway your biological one.

Now, a new study suggests that a simple supplement combination—including omega-3 and vitamin D—can help slow your biological age. Here’s what the study found, plus what a neurologist wants you to know.

Meet the expert: Clifford Segil, DO, a neurologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.

What did the study find?

The study, which was published in the journal Nature Aging on February 3, analyzed data from 777 people who participated in the DO-HEALTH trial—which is a large randomized controlled clinical trial that looks at the impact of vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and a home exercise program on healthy aging in older adults—over the course of three years.

The scientists looked at a bunch of biomarkers, and found that people who took 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids daily slowed down their biological aging across several areas by up to four months. But people who took 2,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D and did 30 minutes of strength training three times a week (in addition to the 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids) saw an even greater effect: The combination had the highest effect in lowering cancer risk and preventing frailty.

What is biological age?

Biological age is a measurement of how old your cells are, according to Northwestern Medicine. Biological age can be measured a few different ways, but usually involves a mix of blood biomarkers, DNA tests, and physiological tests.

Can omega-3 make you live longer?

This is just one study, and it’s hard to draw big conclusions from it. But the findings do suggest that taking an omega-3 supplement may help slow biological aging.

In fact, the researchers said this in the study conclusion: “Our trial indicates a small protective effect of omega-3 treatment on slowing biological aging over three years across several clocks, with an additive protective effect of omega-3, vitamin D, and exercise.”

Omega-3 supplements are usually used by doctors to help manage high cholesterol, which is a more common issue as you get older, says Clifford Segil, DO, a neurologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. High cholesterol is linked to a slew of cardiovascular complications, so getting this under control can help extend your life, he says.

How do vitamin D and strength training affect biological age?

Vitamin D is believed to help with bone density, especially when it’s paired with calcium, Segil says. When you add in exercise, it can create a big boost for your bone health.

“Exercise stops your bones from getting brittle, lubricates your joints, and maintains your muscle mass,” Segil says. “All of these would help with biological aging.”

What are other ways to slow down aging?

There are a few things you can do to age well. Experts previously told Women’s Health that walking for 30 minutes daily, staying on top of regular doctor’s appointments, socializing, focusing on whole foods, and sticking to a consistent sleep routine can help.

If you’re interested in working more omega-3s into your diet, two servings of fatty fish per week will do the trick, doctors previously told Women’s Health. However, if you’re vegan or just can’t stand the taste of fish, a fish oil supplement is a great way to get omega-3s. This softgel, for example, packs in 300 mg of omega-3 and is certified by the National Science Foundation (NSF):

Nature Made Fish Oil Supplements

$14.89 at amazon.com

However, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before taking a new supplement, so be sure to talk with your doctor before starting.

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