Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026
12:08
Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity; A Yin and Yang of Cell Senescence
Published on: May 22, 2013
47.5K
Longitudinal associations between micronutrient consumption and leukocyte telomere length
1Department of Foods and Nutrition, College of Natural Sciences, Kookmin University, Seoul, Korea.
Summary
Higher intake of vitamin C, folate, and potassium may slow biological aging. These nutrients, found in fruits and vegetables, are linked to longer leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in middle-aged and older adults.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Gerontology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is a biomarker for biological aging and oxidative stress.
- Limited research exists on the association between nutrient intake and LTL.
- Micronutrients, including antioxidant vitamins and B vitamins, may influence LTL.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal association between micronutrient consumption and LTL.
- To examine the role of antioxidant nutrients and B vitamins in LTL maintenance.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cohort study of 1958 Korean men and women (aged 40-69 at baseline).
- Dietary intake assessed via a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire.
- LTL measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction at a 10-year follow-up.
Main Results:
- Positive associations found between LTL and consumption of vitamin C, folate, and potassium in all participants.
- These associations were significant in participants younger than 50 years.
- Adjustments were made for potential confounding factors in multiple regression models.
Conclusions:
- Early consumption of vitamin C, folate, and potassium may contribute to delayed biological aging.
- These essential nutrients are abundant in fruits and vegetables.
- Findings suggest a potential dietary strategy for mitigating age-related decline.
Related Concept Videos
02:20Longitudinal Research
13.6K
Sometimes we want to see how people change over time, as in studies of human development and lifespan. When we test the same group of individuals repeatedly over an extended period of time, we are conducting longitudinal research. Longitudinal research is a research design in which data-gathering is administered repeatedly over an extended period of time. For example, we may survey a group of individuals about their dietary habits at age 20, retest them a decade later at age 30, and then again...
13.6K
02:41Telomeres and Telomerase
7.8K
7.8K
02:41Telomeres and Telomerase
28.2K
In eukaryotic DNA replication, a single-stranded DNA fragment remains at the end of a chromosome after the removal of the final primer. This section of DNA cannot be replicated in the same manner as the rest of the strand because there is no 3’ end to which the newly synthesized DNA can attach. This non-replicated fragment results in gradual loss of the chromosomal DNA during each cell duplication. Additionally, it can induce a DNA damage response by enzymes that recognize single-stranded...
28.2K
01:26Longitudinal Studies
614
Longitudinal studies are also widely used in other medical and social science fields. For instance, in cardiovascular research, they can monitor patients' health over decades to identify risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol or smoking, and evaluate the long-term effectiveness of preventive measures. Similarly, in mental health studies, researchers might follow individuals from adolescence into adulthood to understand the development and progression of conditions like...
614