New Findings: Omega-3s Protect Children’s DNA
Recent research published in Food & Function revealed that children with higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA showed significantly less DNA damage compared to those with lower levels.
The Brazilian study evaluated 140 healthy children and teens, assessing:
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Blood levels of EPA, DHA, vitamin B12, beta-carotene, and riboflavin
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Body measurements and energy intake
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DNA integrity using the comet assay (a widely accepted method for evaluating DNA damage)
Among all nutrients studied, omega-3s had the strongest association with lower DNA damage. Given that DNA damage is linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, the researchers believe that maintaining higher omega-3 status may help protect long-term health.
Why Do Omega-3s Protect DNA?
The researchers explained that omega-3s work in two key ways:
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Regulating inflammation – EPA and DHA are precursors for pro-resolving mediators that help balance inflammatory responses and reduce cellular stress.
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Competing with omega-6 fatty acids – They reduce the formation of pro-inflammatory compounds derived from arachidonic acid, further lowering oxidative stress and DNA damage.
These mechanisms help explain why omega-3 supplementation has also been shown in other studies to reduce DNA damage in vascular cells and improve antioxidant status in diabetic individuals.
DNA, Telomeres, and Omega-3s: The Link to Longevity
DNA is protected by structures called telomeres, which naturally shorten with age. Shorter telomeres are associated with faster biological aging and higher disease risk.
Research has shown that omega-3s slow down telomere shortening. For example, in patients with coronary artery disease, higher omega-3 blood levels (Omega-3 Index) were linked to slower telomere shortening over 5 years—suggesting a protective role for longevity.
Omega-3s and Healthy Aging
A 2018 study published in the British Medical Journal followed 2,600 older adults for over 14 years as part of the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS). Researchers found:
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Higher blood levels of EPA, DPA, and DHA were associated with an 18% lower risk of unhealthy aging.
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Those with optimal omega-3 levels were significantly more likely to live free from chronic disease, cognitive decline, and physical impairment.
These findings reinforce that long-chain omega-3s (EPA, DHA, DPA)—but not the short-chain omega-3 ALA—are most effective in supporting healthy aging.
Omega-3 Index: A Better Predictor Than Cholesterol
In another study from the Journal of Clinical Lipidology (2018), researchers analyzed 2,500 participants (ages 66–73) from the Framingham Offspring Cohort. Results showed:
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Those with the highest Omega-3 Index had a 33% reduced risk of death from any cause compared to those with the lowest.
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When compared directly, the Omega-3 Index was a stronger predictor of heart health and longevity than cholesterol levels.
Similarly, data from the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study showed that postmenopausal women with an Omega-3 Index above 8% had a 31% lower risk of death from any cause compared to those below 4%.
Conclusion: Omega-3s as Guardians of DNA and Longevity
From protecting children’s DNA to slowing telomere shortening and promoting healthy aging, omega-3 fatty acids—particularly EPA and DHA—are consistently linked to longer, healthier lives.
Maintaining an Omega-3 Index between 8–12% appears to be one of the most effective strategies for reducing chronic disease risk and supporting cellular health across all ages.