Omega-3s May Fend Off Age Related Disease

OK, maybe omega-3 fatty acids do nothing for heart health, but new research suggests that they may be good for something else that is near and dear to all of us: our lifespan. An Ohio State University news release reports that researchers at the school gave a group of more than 100 healthy but overweight people (two different) doses of omega-3 fatty acids made from cold water fish like salmon and cod. And yes, a control group got a placebo. After four months, the researchers found that those who took omega-3 supplements showed, on average, lengthening of telomeres, segments of DNA that shorten as we age, compared to those in the placebo group. When the researchers analyzed the participants’ omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in relationship to telomere lengthening, a lower ratio was clearly associated with lengthened telomeres. Does that mean that omega-3s can slow the aging process? In some small ways, yes: the researchers think they may reduce the risk of age-related disease. And wait, there’s more: Both omega-3 groups showed an average overall 15 percent reduction in oxidative stress compared to effects seen in the placebo group. Read more from Ohio State. Read about the research in the Atlantic.