Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on the telomere length: A mini meta-analysis of clinical trials

Abstract: Telomeres are protective caps at the end of eukaryotic chromosomes, whose length is correlated with health and lifespan. Telomere attrition is a common feature of the aging process and can be accelerated by oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Various nutrients influence the telomere length, partially due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this review was to meta-analytically assess the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on the telomere length. We searched four databases (PubMed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library) from inception until November 2021. Of 573 records, a total of 5 clinical trials were included for the quantitative meta-analysis, comprising a total of 337 participants. The results revealed an overall beneficial effect of omega-3 fatty acids on the telomere length (mean difference = 0.16; 95% CI, 0.02, 0.30; p = 0.02). Despite a limited number of studies, the available evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may positively affect the telomere length. However, larger clinical trials are needed to confirm our findings, along with studies aimed to clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on the telomere length: A mini meta-analysis of clinical trials ; volume:13 ; number:1 ; year:2022 ; pages:25-33 ; extent:9 ; Biomolecular concepts ; 13, Heft 1 (2022), 25-33 (gesamt 9)

Contributors, Places and Time

• Creator: Ali, Sawan ; Scapagnini, Giovanni ; Davinelli, Sergio

Further information

• DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2021-0024
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2022090214163065883125
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 15.08.2025, 7:37 AM CEST