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Omega-3 supplementation and stress reactivity of cellular aging biomarkers: an ancillary substudy of a randomized, controlled trial in midlife adults
High levels of omega-3 fatty acids correlate with longer DNA telomeres, lower inflammatory markers, and improved sympathetic and cardiovascular responses to stress. However, the impact of omega-3 supplements on telomerase, serum cortisol levels, and systemic inflammation remains poorly understood. In this randomized controlled trial by Madison et al. (2021), the authors investigated the effect of omega-3 supplementation on cellular aging-related serological markers after being subjected to a laboratory speech stressor, in a sample of 138 participants (sedentary, overweight, and middle-aged, 93 women and 45 men). The participants were given a 2.5 g/d of omega-3, 1.25 g/d of omega-3, or a placebo for 4 months, and performed the Trier Social Stress Test before starting the trial and after its conclusion. Saliva and blood samples helped evaluate salivary cortisol, telomerase found in peripheral blood lymphocytes, anti-inflammatory (interleukin-10; IL-10), and pro-inflammatory (interleukin-6; IL-6, interleukin-12, tumor necrosis factor-alpha) cytokines. Analysis of the results, with respect to variables like stress reactivity prior to supplementation, age, abdominal contour, and sex, revealed an improvement in telomerase and IL-10 stress reactivity in both supplement groups compared to the decline seen in the placebo group after the induction of stress. Furthermore, omega-3 supplementation decreased overall cortisol and IL-6 levels in the 2.5 g/d group compared to placebo. The authors comment that by reducing overall inflammation and cortisol levels due to stress and enhancing cellular repair during recovery, omega-3s could potentially decelerate aging and lower the risk of depression. [NPID: Aging population, cytokines, dietary supplements, fatty acids, omega-3, stress]
Year: 2021
