Omega-3s Linked to Younger Biological Age

Regular readers of our newsletter know that there are constantly new studies being released that show various health benefits to a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids. There is so much research on these compounds that we could literally have a newsletter entirely devoted to them. But that might get tiresome, so we try to only write about what we consider to be the most interesting studies, and this seems to fit that bill!

A new study has linked high blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids with a younger biological age.¹

"Biological age" refers to the amount of cell aging an organism has undergone over time. Relative to its chronological age, the organism may be "biologically older" if there are greater signs of aging, or "younger" if there are fewer such signs.

Researchers look at DNA to determine an individual's biological age. At the ends of the chromosomes, there are segments of repetitive DNA called telomeres. Telomeres protect the chromosomes from damage that occurs as a result of cell replication and oxidative stress. As these telomeres are damaged through these processes, they become shorter until eventually the cells are destroyed through apoptosis. Correspondingly, the shorter the telomeres are, the "older" the cell is biologically speaking.

In this study, researchers from the University of California, San Francisco recruited 608 patients with stable coronary artery disease. The researchers measured the length of each participant's telomeres and their blood DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) levels (both are omega-3 fatty acids) at the beginning of the study, and again 5 years later.

The researchers found that those with the lowest levels of the omega-3s in their blood had the most rapid shortening of the telomeres. Conversely, those with the highest blood levels of omega-3s had the longest telomeres, indicating greater biological youth. Small increases in the omega-3s caused significant changes in the relative telomere shortening. The researchers stated that each standard deviation increase in total DHA and EPA levels "was associated with a 32 per cent reduction in the odds of telomere shortening." The researchers went on to state that they suspected that the mechanism of action behind this benefit is a reduction in oxidation.

Oxidation is known to shorten telomeres and omega-3s are known to reduce oxidation. Recent studies have found that both multivitamins and green tea consumption may also reduce biological aging as measured by telomere length. In both of those studies, it was suspected that the mechanism of action was reduced oxidation, the same as with this study on omega-3s. It is not known if there is any cumulative effect from the three compounds.

Omega-3s have been linked to a seemingly endless number of health benefits. While omega-3s are most commonly known for their potential benefits to cardiac and cognitive functions, research has linked these fatty acids to improvements in everything from vision to mood to skin health.

Learn more about the potential benefits of omega-3 fatty acids here, and learn about our Omega-3 Fish Oil and Extra-Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil.

Our Vegetarian DHA Omega-3 is not just for vegetarians; this fish-free, gelatin-free product satisfies just about any dietary constraint. They are ecologically sustainable. And, as nice, small capsules, they are easy to swallow! Read more about our Vegetarian DHA Omega-3.

1. Farzaneh-Far, R., J. Lin, et al. "Association of marine omega-3 fatty acid levels with telomeric aging in patients with coronary heart disease." Jama 303(3): 250-7.