Summary of Key Findings
This paper reports on a 20-year study examining whether regular sardine consumption affects longevity and reduces gender gaps in life expectancy. The study tracked 400 participants (200 Portuguese and 200 Portuguese-Canadians) who consumed sardines every other day for 10 years.
Study Design and Participants
- Sample: 400 participants (200 men, 200 women)
- Age range: 58-89 years (Mean = 68.4, SD = 5.7)
- Protocol: Consumption of one can of sardines (or fresh equivalent) every other day
- Duration: Scheduled for 20 years (1994-2014), with 10-year results reported
- Compliance: >97% of participants followed the regimen
Key Results After 10 Years
- Survival rates:
- Portuguese participants: 98% of females and 96% of males
- Portuguese-Canadian participants: 97% of females and 95% of males
- Overall survival rate: 96.5% of participants
- Gender differences: Statistically insignificant
- Causes of death: All deaths (14 total) were due to accidents, not health-related
- Health improvements:
- Participants with moderate-to-serious health problems showed improvement
- Minor health problems “virtually disappeared”
Theoretical Background
- Multiple prior studies suggest omega-3 fatty acids and nutrients in sardines contribute to longevity
- Previous research by Fraga & Pimentel (1992) and others found sardine consumption associated with equal longevity between genders
- Sardines are rich in:
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Calcium, phosphorus, and potassium
- Other nutrients supporting cellular function, muscle function, and brain development
Limitations
- Results are preliminary (10 years of a 20-year study)
- Convenience sampling may introduce selection bias
- No control group explicitly mentioned
- Actual causation cannot be firmly established
TL;DR:
A 10-year study of 400 Portuguese and Portuguese-Canadian adults found that consuming sardines every other day resulted in a 96.5% survival rate with no statistically significant gender differences in longevity. All 14 deaths were accidental, and participants experienced health improvements, suggesting sardines’ omega-3 fatty acids may contribute to longevity and equalize gender-based life expectancy gaps.
Source:
https://vocal.media/feast/the-impact-of-sardine-consumption-on-portuguese-longevity