Omega-3 fatty acids, oxidative stress, and leukocyte telomere length: A randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT: Shorter telomeres have been associated with poor health behaviors, age-related diseases, and early mortality. Telomere length is regulated by the enzyme telomerase, and is linked to exposure to proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. In our recent randomized controlled trial, omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation lowered the concentration of serum proinflammatory cytokines. This study assessed whether n-3 PUFA supplementation also affected leukocyte telomere length, telomerase, and oxidative stress. In addition to testing for group differences, changes in the continuous n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio were assessed to account for individual differences in adherence, absorption, and metabolism. The double-blind four-month trial included 106 healthy sedentary overweight

SUBMITTER: Kiecolt-Glaser JK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3545053 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature