You're currently using an outdated web browser. Please use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox to enjoy the latest web browsing experience. - by Web Admin
Aging is an inevitable process in human and telomere (ie: specialized structures at the end of the chromosomes to protect the loss of human’s genetic data during cell division) plays important part in regulating ageing process. The length of telomere shortens with age and the progressive shortening of telomeres may affect the health and quality of life of an individual negatively with increased risks of disease development and poor survival rate [1].
Nonetheless, healthier dietary intake with high consumption of fruits and vegetables and balanced lifestyle can help to slow down the ageing process. In fact, dietary carotenoids have shown beneficial effects in relation to ageing associated adverse health effects as demonstrated in the studies below:
Study
Significant Findings
Reference
Increases Telomere Length
Association between leukocyte telomere length and serum carotenoid in US adults
Plasma blood level of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin were significantly associated with longer telomeres.
When comparing to the lowest carotenoid (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin) quartiles, the telomere length increased from 5-8% in the highest carotenoid quartiles cohort
Min, KB. & Min JY. (2016). Eur J Nutr.
Attenuates Risks of Mortality from Chronic Diseases
Low Serum Selenium and Total Carotenoids Predict Mortality among Older Women Living in the Community
Higher serum selenium and total carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin) are associated with a lower risk of mortality from heart disease, cancer, stroke, infection, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Ray, A.L, et.al (2006). American Society for Nutrition
Reference:
Van Steensel B, Smogorzewska A, de Lange T. TRF2 protects human telomeres from end-to-end fusions. Cell. 1998;92:401–413.