Fish oil slows cellular aging, finds study

The findings confirmed that fatty acids found in sea food such as salmon, mackerel or sardines protect against heart disease as they slow biological aging.

The study has been published in the Jan. 20 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

Patients consuming fatty acids have longer telomeres
Explaining why fish oil is good for heart patients, the researchers stated that fatty acids help protect the protective layer within the cells, which determine how long the cells will live.

The patients who consumed more fish containing omega-3 fatty acids tend to have longer telomeres, the protective ends of the chromosomes, thus slowing cellular aging.

Long telomeres increase survival chances of a heart patient and slow down mental decline by preventing premature aging.

Telomeres become shorter every time the cell divides. Too short telomeres increase the chance of damage being caused to DNA, which eventually leads to death of cell.

"We found a very clear association that increasing levels of the amount of omega-3 fish oil in the blood was associated with a decrease in the rate of biological aging," stated Farzaneh-Far, the lead researcher of the study.

Findings attract skepticism
Though the study offers a biological explanation why fatty acids slow cellular ageing, there were many cardiologists who pointed out that the study is still in its preliminary stage and more research is needed before it is put in practice.

The study does not prove cause and effect, as none of the patients were given supplements and the researchers did not collect their dietary information, so that it is not clear how much fish oil was consumed to have the desired effect.

Dr. Steven Nissen of the Cleveland Clinic told ABC News, "It remains entirely possible that individuals who consume more fish also have other favorable healthy habits. ... The relationship between telomere shortening and cardiovascular health is not well established."

The study also does not distinguish between fish or fish oil supplement, leaving the question open whether it is beneficial for people to eat fish, to eat walnuts, flaxseed oil and leafy green vegetables containing omega-3 fatty acids, or to directly consume omega-3 supplements.