Omega-3 supplements: thanks to fish oil improved telomere stability

The low ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 appears to be associated with increased length of telomeres, the terminal regions of chromosomes, promoting their functionality and stability. The 'effect, along with the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, helps limit cellular aging. The discovery is due to the collaboration of researchers from the University of California and Ohio State University College (USA). 

Telomeric regions and cellular aging

Telomeres are portions of DNA that protect the ends of chromosomes, preventing them from degrading or fusing together and ensuring their proper duplication. The length of telomeres is maintained by specific enzymes called telomerase.In somatic cells, however, telomerase activity is very low or even absent, leading to a progressive shortening of telomeres, a phenomenon associated with cellular aging.In recent years, more and more studies have also highlighted the importance of the proper functioning of telomeres and telomerases for the prevention of various diseases. Studies in laboratory animals suggest that shorter-than-normal telomeres are associated with various dysfunctions and premature mortality. Factors causing telomere erosion include oxidative stress and inflammatory status, two conditions that can be counteracted by Omega-3 The purpose 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

A total of 106 subjects, men and women, aged 40 to 85 years, in good health although overweight and with sedentary lifestyles, took part in the study. After random division into three groups, they followed the trial for 4 months. One group received a daily supplement with 2.5 g of Omega-3, another a supplement with 1.5 g, and finally one group received placebo. The fatty acid content administered mirrored daily intakes commonly taken following a typical American diet. Analyses on blood samples from each subject showed that levels of F2-isoprostane, a molecule indicative of lipid oxidation and oxidative damage, increased in the placebo group, while they decreased in the subjects who had taken the supplements. From chromosome examination, the researchers observed that telomere length increased in the group that had followed supplementation with high doses of Omega-3, and to a lesser extent also in the group that had taken 1.5 g of Omega-3. In contrast, it decreased in the placebo group. However, these changes were observed in only a percentage of the subjects, making the results of little statistical significance. The measure of telomerase activity, on the other hand, showed no change. Exploring changes in telomere length in relation to the ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3, the researchers found that telomeres lengthened as this ratio decreased.

Diet can slow down cellular aging

The results show that increasing Omega-3 reduces oxidative status and that telomere length is affected by Omega-6 and Omega-3 concentrations. So, the health of chromosomes and their ends can be protected by nutritional intervention that increases Omega-3 intake and/or decreases Omega-6 intake. The action on telomeres, in combination with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, of polyunsaturated fatty acids can slow biological aging and counteract the onset of 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.