Fish Oils May Slow Genetic Aging

Dr. Ramin Farzaneh-Far of the University of California San Francisco looked at the rate at which telomeres slowed in people who consumed varying amounts of omega-3s. The study consisted of a prospective cohort study of 608 patients in California with stable coronary artery disease. Study participants were followed for five years, and the researchers assessed telomere length of their leukocytes at baseline and again at the end of follow-up. Dr. Farzaneh-Far and his colleagues found that people who had the highest omega-3 fatty acid blood levels had telomeres that shortened at a significantly slower rate than patients with lower omega-3 fatty acid blood levels.

What are telomeres, and what do they have to do with aging?

Telomeres are the protective caps at the end of chromosomes, often compared to the plastic ends of shoelaces. Research has shown that the length of telomeres may be a marker of biological age, which is independent of chronological age and takes into account genetic and environmental stressors that can damage cells.

While Dr. Farazenh-Far’s study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may be slowing the aging process, other professionals suggest that more research is needed. Dr. Steven E. Nissen of the Cleveland Clinic pointed out that the study was observational, and didn’t show a direct cause and effect relationship between the fatty acid levels and the change in telomere length. Nissen noted that “it remains entirely possible that individuals who consume more fish also have other favorable healthy habits.”