Blackmores Institute

Here are five facts you need to know about telomeres and ageing: <ol><li>The length of telomers is a one of the major determinants of ageing</li></ol>
 Found at the end of chromosomes, telomeres play an important role in the stability of the genome but are dynamic structures, shortening with each cell division. This means, a point is reached where somatic cell division is no longer possible and the cells enter senescence. Numerous studies suggest that accumulation of senescent cells is the main cause of ageing and age-related disease. Evidence also suggests that the expression of telomerase – the enzyme responsible for maintenance of telomere length – prevents senescence and postpones or reverses ageing and is the link between telomeres and ageing. 2. Physiologic stress is key to telomere shortening
 
 Although there is no single mechanism for telomere shortening, there is considerable evidence to show that physiologic stress is a common factor. Inadequate nutrition, genotoxins and lifestyle factors are linked to genomic damage and telomere shortening through their relationship to free radical formation and oxidative stress. Shortened telomeres combined with the over-production of reactive oxygen species by dysfunctional mitochondria contribute to senescence in human cells and can be attributed to the mechanism of ageing. 3. Telomeres can be protected by nutrients
 
 Oxidative stress being a key contributor to telomere shortening suggests that substances able to neutralise free radicals may exert a protective function on telomeres. Antioxidant compounds such as those found in polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins and minerals may slow the ageing process. 4. Dietary patterns can affect telomeres
 
 The Mediterranean diet has shown a significant effect on telomere length and was able to preserve the length of the telomere corresponding to 4.5 years of ageing – an effect equivalent to physical activity and cessation of smoking. 5. Lifestyle can influence the ageing process
 
 The correlation between telomere length and a healthy lifestyle is well documented with activities that contribute to managing excessive stress levels, such as meditation, purported to support telomere length though increased telomerase activity.
 <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt948bd74310fc0ad0/blt97003a2fe47b3a7c/69f34186ecc14291a77da7d3/bi_article_telomeresandageing_img.png" alt="bi_article_telomeresandageing_img.png" class="embedded-asset" />
 
 Source:Vidaček NS, et.al.: Telomeres, Nutrition, and Longevity: Can We Really Navigate Our Aging? J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci, 2018, Vol. 73, No. 1, 39–47 <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glx082" target="_blank" style="">doi:10.1093/gerona/glx082</a>

The quest for eternal youth may have taken a leap forward amid growing evidence pointing to genomic guardians, telomeres, or more specifically their length, as major players in the ageing process.

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