Omega-3 May Help Slow Biological Aging

Omega-3 May Help Slow Biological Aging Author: Olivia Mungal | Leave a comment By Olivia Mungal Omega-3 fatty acids are well-known for a bounty of health benefits ranging from cardiovascular health to healthy joints, but according to a study conducted by researchers from Ohio State University, omega-3s may also help to protect your DNA from the effects of natural aging. The study, published in the Brain, Behavior, and Immunity Peer Review Journal, found that regular omega supplementation for a period of 4+ months could help to slow the biological effects of aging. In the trial, participants took either 2.5 grams or 1.25 grams of active Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids compared against a third group given a placebo. Each omega-3 supplement contained a 7:1 ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). How do cells biologically age? During mitosis, enzymes in the nucleus duplicate our DNA continuously, replacing old cells in the body with new ones. As we age, our cells are damaged by oxidation and some of our DNA’s nucleotide sequencing is also damaged during this process. Telomeres are a region of repetitive nucleotide sequences that cap the ends of each chromosome and protect them from deterioration or mutation. Luckily for the human body, our DNA often comes with backup nucleotide sequences and repair mechanisms our cells use if the primary nucleotide sequences are damaged. However, the more oxidative stress experienced by our bodies, our cells become less able to repair and regenerate during cell division, and our telomeres become shorter and shorter as the years of oxidative stress chips away at our DNA’s protective barrier. Effects of cell oxidation Courtesy of christophertims.com What the study found: Professor Kiecolt-Glaser led the study, and confirmed regular supplementation with omega-3 reduced oxidative stress by as much as 15% when compared to the placebo group. The researchers found omega supplementation transformed the natural ratio of omega-6: omega-3 fatty acids and preserved the length of the telomeres in each participant’s DNA. As that ratio became lower, the average length of each participant’s DNA-protective telomeres became significantly longer. Why does this work? Human beings naturally produce arachidonic acid (AA), an omega-6 fatty acid which promotes cellular inflammation. EPA inhibits the production and release of AA, lowering the amount of harmful omega-6 fatty acids in the body. Most people simply don’t get enough omega-3 fatty acids in their diet to achieve a low omega-6:omega-3 ratio, leaving the body and DNA especially vulnerable to oxidative damage. “The telomere finding is provocative in that it suggests the possibility that a nutritional supplement might actually make a difference” says Ohio State’s Dr. Jan Kiecolt-Glaser.