Research published in the journal Food & Function demonstrates that children with elevated levels of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in their blood exhibit less DNA damage compared to those with lower levels. This Brazilian study investigated blood levels of several nutrients—omega-3s EPA and DHA, vitamin B12, beta-carotene, and riboflavin—in a cohort of 140 healthy children and adolescents.
The study's methodology included body measurements, energy intake assessments, and blood sampling. The researchers employed single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay), a widely used method to evaluate DNA damage, aiming to identify correlations between blood concentrations of vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids and DNA damage.
Among the nutrients studied, omega-3 showed a significant correlation with DNA damage compared to other nutrients. Specifically, higher blood levels of omega-3 corresponded to reduced DNA damage. Considering DNA damage is linked to a myriad of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, researchers believe assessing omega-3 status could offer protective benefits.
How do Omega-3s protect DNA?
According to the study's researchers, omega-3 EPA and DHA act as substrates for the synthesis of inflammation-resolving mediators that play a crucial role in the resolution and balance of the inflammatory process, potentially safeguarding against DNA damage by mediating inflammatory pathways. Moreover, long-chain omega-3s compete with the conversion of omega-6 fatty acid to arachidonic acid (AA), consequently reducing the formation of pro-inflammatory AA-derived eicosanoids.
The study notes, "Other studies have found similar associations regarding the effect of omega-3 on DNA damage. For instance, one study showed omega-3 rich fish oil mitigated DNA damage in vascular endothelial cells. Another study observed a reduction in DNA damage among diabetics following an intervention with vegetables and omega-3-rich oil intake, associated with increased plasma antioxidant levels."
Moving forward, the researchers believe the associations found between blood levels of certain nutrients, primarily omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, with blood cell DNA damage suggest these nutrients might directly or indirectly contribute to health maintenance or the development of future diseases. Hence, implementing public nutritional education policies to improve nutritional status could help prevent diseases related to significant DNA damage.
DNA, Telomeres, and Omega-3
Your DNA houses strands of chromosomes, protected by parts called telomeres. The health of telomeres is deemed crucial for your health and longevity. Damage to them, such as shortening due to poor dietary and lifestyle choices, could jeopardize your health. It also helps determine the aging process—the faster they shorten, the quicker you age.
Research indicates that omega-3 reduces the shortening of telomeres. A study evaluating patients with coronary artery disease found an inverse relationship between baseline blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids (i.e., the Omega-3 Index) and the rate of telomere shortening over a five-year period.
Omega-3 levels and aging
A study published in the British Medical Journal in October 2018 linked higher blood levels of omega-3 EPA, DPA, and DHA to "healthy aging." The report was based on an analysis of the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS), which began in 1989 with participants around the age of 74. As the cohort aged, CHS became a significant study of the aging process.
This particular study tracked over 2600 adults from 1992 to 2006 to see if they continued to live without chronic diseases and without mental or physical impairments. Blood levels of long-chain omega-3s EPA, DPA, and DHA, as well as the short-chain omega-3 ALA, were measured and averaged over the years to provide a long-term estimate of omega-3 status.
Researchers reported that higher overall levels of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA, DHA, and DPA were found in individuals who exhibited the healthy aging pattern, specifically an 18% lower chance of unhealthy aging. This further supports the notion that maintaining optimal omega-3 levels is linked to healthier and longer lives, underscoring the value of assessing omega-3 status as part of a comprehensive approach to health and aging.
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