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Moderate EvidenceCohort Study
Fish-Eaters and Vegetarians Show Slower Biological Aging Than Regular Meat-Eaters
Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland)February 23, 2026Sample Size: 407,376 adults at baseline, 8,855 at follow-up
Summary
Among over 400,000 UK adults, people who ate fish but little meat aged the slowest biologically. Vegetarians came in a close second. Regular meat-eaters aged fastest by two different biological age measures. These patterns held up over time too. People who stuck with low-meat, fish-based, or vegetarian diets saw their biological aging slow down compared to consistent meat-eaters during follow-up.
Practical Takeaway
This study suggests reducing meat and including fish may be linked to slower biological aging.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.