Omega-3 supplements may help maintain telomere stability
Omega-3 Supplements: Improved Telomere Stability Thanks to Fish Oil
A low ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 appears to be associated with longer telomeres, the terminal regions of chromosomes, supporting their function and stability. This effect, together with the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helps limit cellular aging. The discovery was made thanks to the collaboration between researchers from the University of California and Ohio State University College (USA).
Telomeric regions and cellular aging
Telomeres are DNA segments that protect the ends of chromosomes, preventing them from degrading or fusing together and ensuring correct duplication. Telomere length is maintained by specific enzymes called telomerases. However, in somatic cells, telomerase activity is very low or absent, leading to progressive telomere shortening, a phenomenon associated with cellular aging. In recent years, numerous studies have highlighted the importance of proper telomere and telomerase function for preventing various diseases. Animal studies suggest that shorter than normal telomeres are linked to several dysfunctions and early mortality. Factors causing telomere erosion include oxidative stress and inflammation, two conditions that can be counteracted by Omega-3. The aim of this study was precisely to evaluate whether Omega-3 intake can protect telomeres and telomerase in leukocytes (white blood cells).
Omega-3 and Omega-6 influence telomere length
The study involved 106 healthy but overweight and sedentary men and women aged between 40 and 85 years. After random assignment into three groups, they participated in the trial for 4 months. One group received a daily supplement of 2.5 g of Omega-3, another group 1.5 g, and a third group received a placebo. Blood sample analyses showed that levels of F2-isoprostanes, markers of lipid oxidation and oxidative damage, increased in the placebo group but decreased in those who took the supplements. Chromosome examinations revealed that telomere length increased in the group with the higher Omega-3 supplementation, and to a lesser extent in the 1.5 g group. It decreased in the placebo group. However, these changes were observed only in a percentage of subjects, making the results statistically less significant. Telomerase activity measurement showed no changes. Exploring telomere length changes relative to the Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio, researchers found that telomeres lengthened as this ratio decreased.
Diet can slow cellular aging
Results show that increased Omega-3 reduces oxidative stress and that telomere length is influenced by Omega-6 and Omega-3 concentrations. Thus, chromosome health and their ends can be protected through nutritional interventions that increase Omega-3 intake and/or decrease Omega-6 intake. The effect on telomeres, combined with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of polyunsaturated fatty acids, can slow biological aging and counteract age-related diseases.
Source: Kiecolt-Glaser JK, Epel ES, Belury MA, Andridge R, Lin J, Glaser R, Malarkey WB, Hwang BS, Blackburn E.“Omega-3 fatty acids, oxidative stress, and leukocyte telomere length: A randomized controlled trial”. Brain Behav Immun. 2013 Feb;28:16-24.
