This Supplement May Slow Down Cellular Aging

Researchers examined the impact of omega-3 supplements on cellular aging-related biomarkers. The results of this clinical trial are reported in a paper published in Nature Molecular Psychiatry.

Omega-3 fatty acid consumption may lessen accelerated aging and early mortality. Higher levels of omega-3 are associated with longer telomeres, lower inflammation, and blunted sympathetic and cardiovascular stress reactivity.

Prior publications from this clinical trial showed that 4 months of omega-3 supplements lowered basal inflammation and oxidative stress. But this preplanned ancillary substudy investigated whether it altered the stress responsivity of biomarkers relevant to telomere length and cellular aging. Relevant biomarkers include cortisol, inflammatory cytokines, and telomerase.

Cortisol and pro-inflammatory cytokines naturally rise after acute stress. The researchers hypothesized that omega-3 supplements would reduce cortisol and inflammatory stress reactivity.

Telomerase is an enzyme that maintains and restores telomeres. Levels of telomerase change in response to an acute laboratory stressor like the Trier Social Stress Test. The researchers predicted that telomerase levels would not change following an acute stressor among those taking omega-3.

Researchers investigated these questions in a sedentary, overweight sample of middle-aged adults. This is a high-risk group for accelerated aging.

138 sedentary, overweight, middle-aged participants (93 women and 45 men) participated in the test. They received either 2.5  grams per day of omega-3, 1.25  grams per day of omega-3, or a placebo for 4 months.

Before and after the trial, the participants underwent the Trier Social Stress Test. The test is a laboratory procedure used to reliably induce stress in human research participants. The participants reported their state anxiety levels before and after the test.

The test uses a 20-item State Anxiety Index that asks participants to rate themselves. On a four-point scale, they assert how strongly they are experiencing feelings such as calmness or jitteriness “right now, in this moment.” The scale options range from “not at all” to “very much.”

The results of the study indicate that omega-3 supplements blocked stress-related decreases in telomerase and anti-inflammatory responses. The results of the study also suggest that Omega-3 may reduce the risk of poor mood via lowered stress-induced inflammation.

The researchers note that, in the US, the average dietary intake of omega-3 is well below recommended values. And they suggest that daily omega-3 supplements alone may help protect cells from the toll of acute stressors. And this would facilitate a healthy biological aging process.

The researchers acknowledge that these findings are preliminary. But, pending further confirmation of the results, they suggest that omega-3 supplements may limit the impact of repeated stress on cellular aging and poor mood.

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