Nutrition

April 2, 2010

The Anti-Aging Benefits of Omega-3s

I’ve discussed the myriad benefits of consuming adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids numerous times in this blog. As I’ve detailed previously, the benefits of omega-3s extend to virtually every organ system, and include facilitating loss of body fat. There are few nutritional topics that have as much research-based support.

A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) sheds some light on how omega-3s may protect against aging. The study looked at the effect of omega-3 intake on telomeres, which are repeat DNA sequences that form a “protective cap” at the ends of chromosomes. It has been previously shown that telomere length degrades over time, exposing cells to early death. This has led researchers to conclude that telomere length may be a marker of health and well being, with shorter telomere lengths associated with premature aging and the onset of cardiovascular disease.

In the JAMA study, researchers examined the relationship between blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids and telomere length in leukocytes (i.e. white blood cells) over a period of five years. Results showed that those who had the lowest levels of omega-3s (as determined by DHA+EPA) showed the greatest telomere shortening while those in the top quartile had the least degree of shortening. This inverse relationship between omega-3s and telomere length lends support to the anti-aging benefits of fish oil consumption. It is yet one more in a long line of studies showing just how important it is to get adequate omega-3s in your diet.

Stay Fit!

Brad

Farzaneh-Far R, Lin J, Epel ES, Harris WS, Blackburn EH, Whooley MA. (2010). Association of marine omega-3 fatty acid levels with telomeric aging in patients with coronary heart disease. JAMA, 20;303(3):250-7.