Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil prevent cell ageing

Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Consumption of fish oil or fish oil supplements increases blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids and shifts the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids towards omega-3 fatty acids.

A study conducted at Tufts University found that omega-3 fatty acids prevented telomere shortening in cells, which promotes cell longevity. Telomeres form the ends of DNA strands and hold these strands together. The size of telomeres is reduced during cell division, which shortens them over time. This ultimately reduces the effectiveness of the immune system, which can lead to disease and death.

Janice Kiecolt-Glaser and colleagues at Ohio State University found in a study of overweight middle-aged and older adults that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation improved the balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, but did not affect telomere length. Previous studies have shown that prolonged use of omega-3 fatty acids maintains telomere length, suggesting that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may improve cell health and longevity.

(Brain Behavior Immunity, 28: 16 - 24, 2013)