Omega-3 fatty acids and telomere length: A review of clinical evidence

Justification: Identifying biomarkers to better characterize the aging process is a priority for aging research, as they help to identify premature frailty at its earliest stage. Several tentative hallmarks of aging have been identified, with telomere length being among these. Consumption of certain fats is increasingly believed to prevent telomere shortening.

Objective: To summarize research on intake of omega-3 fatty acids and telomere length in humans.

Methods: The talk will deal with the most important hits on the topic, including both observational studies and randomized controlled trials.

Results: Observational studies have consistently reported beneficial associations with telomere length for self-reported consumption of omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods; for estimated intake of omega-3 fatty acids; and for omega-3 blood-based biomarkers in most (but not all) studies involving lipidomics, a promising tool in the field. Evidence from randomized controlled trials is less conclusive.

Significance of your research to the AOCS membership: The fact that most (but not all) articles support that omega-3 fatty acids (in particular docosahexaenoic acid) might have beneficial effects on telomere length reinforces the salutary effects of including these fats in the regular diet.