10 Best Supplements for Telomere Protection & Elongation

best supplements for telomere protection

There are several supplements on the market that claim to protect telomeres. But what are telomeres, and why do they need protection?

This blog post will help you understand the importance of telomeres and we will also recommend the top 7 best supplements for telomere protection.

What are telomeres and what do they do?

Telomeres are the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes. They keep DNA from unraveling and help to preserve the genetic information within cells. They are an important part of our chromosomes and play a role in longevity.

Telomere length is associated with longevity, so it’s important to protect them as much as possible. By protecting telomeres, we can extend our life span and enjoy better health.

A telomere is a region of repetitive DNA occurring at the end of each chromosome, which protects the end of the chromosome from deterioration and from joining with other chromosomes.

The telomeres shorten each time cells divide so that after a certain number of divisions telomeres become too short to protect the chromosomes and cell can no longer divide into two identical daughter cells.

Aging is associated with shorter telomeres and more rapid telomere erosion over time (called “telomeric aging”).

Read Also: 10 Best Longevity Supplements According to Science

What nutrients protect telomeres?

Several supplements have been shown to protect telomeres. Some of the best include:

  • Resveratrol: This compound is found in red wine and has been shown to protect telomeres from oxidative damage. Telomerase activators are chemicals that have been shown to help extend telomeres. Resveratrol is a potent telomerase activator, meaning it helps more than most other chemicals.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids – Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to telomere maintenance, which slows cellular aging and confers longevity. Recently, there has been a lot of excitement surrounding the role of omega-3 fatty acids in telomere health. Some researchers believe that omega-3s could be the key to maintaining healthy telomeres, which play a vital role in cell health and regeneration.
  • Selenium – Selenium deficiency has been shown to lead to shortened telomeres in animals models, as well as impaired wound healing due to oxidative damage it causes in human studies. There is some evidence suggesting a relationship between consumption or supplementation of selenium and telomere length. A study in elderly women showed that those with higher blood levels of selenium had longer telomeres. Another study found that supplementing pregnant women with selenium resulted in telomeres that were longer in their newborns.
  • Curcumin: Curcumin has been found to promote telomere length and protect telomeres from damage. Curcumin accomplishes this by inhibiting the enzyme telomerase, which is responsible for telomere shortening. Additionally, curcumin helps to protect DNA from oxidative damage, which can also lead to telomere erosion.
  • Astaxanthin: This antioxidant can be found in seafood and has been shown to protect telomeres from radiation damage. Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful antioxidants in the world. It has been shown to protect telomeres, which are the sections of DNA that control how long a cell can live. Telomeres shorten as we age, so it’s important to have antioxidants like astaxanthin working to protect them.
  • N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant and a glutathione precursor that was shown to lengthen telomeres in a study published in the journal Rejuvenation Research. The study found that NAC increased telomere length by about 9 percent in participants who took it for 12 weeks. For more resources read N-Acetylcysteine Benefits, Side Effects & Supplementation.
  • Nicotinamide – Nicotinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that some research shows has the potential to extend telomeres and improve longevity.
  • Astragalus – Research has shown that telomeres get longer in the presence of astragalus. This is because astragalus helps to protect telomeres from damage and also helps to rebuild telomeres. This means that astragalus can help to promote longevity.
  • Glutathione – Glutathione is essential for telomerase activity, and telomerase is essential for telomere maintenance. Glutathione also helps to protect telomeres from oxidative damage. Check this article we wrote a while ago on why Glutathione holds the key to managing over 100 autoimmune diseases known today
  • Baicalin – Baicalin is a flavone that can be found in centella asiatica, alfalfa, oat straw and vinegar. Some preliminary research has shown that baicalin may have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Additionally, baicalin is being studied for its potential to promote telomere health and longevity.
  • L-Citrulline – L-citrulline is an amino acid that helps protect telomeres and promote longevity. Citrulline helps to preserve telomere length by reducing oxidative stress.
  • Zinc – Zinc plays a role in telomere elongation. Zinc helps to protect telomeres from damage and keep them long, which in turn helps to keep our cells healthy and youthful.

    What are the Best Supplements for Telomere Protection

    1. Enzymedica Telomere Plus™ with Telomerin® Blend
    telomere plus by enzymedica

    Enzymedica Telomere Plus™ with Telomerin® Blend is a one-of-a-kind supplement that helps maintain healthy telomeres, the endcaps of chromosomes that play a role in cellular aging.

    The patented Telomerin® blend uses a unique mix of natural ingredients, including telomerase activators and plant extracts, to support optimal telomere function.

    1. Enzyme Science’s Telomere Pro

    Enzyme Science’s Telomere Pro supplement contains the Telomerin™ blend, which has been shown to activate Telomerase – the enzyme responsible for rebuilding telomeres.

    With this synergistic mix of astragalus root, broccoli seed extract, rhodiola extract and Vitamin D3, you can promote telomerase activity and keep your cells looking young and healthy.

    1. Puraz Telomere Supplement
    Puraz Telomere Supplement

    Looking for a telomere protection supplement that won’t break the bank?

    Look no further than Puraz telomere supplement

    This telomere supplement is designed to help keep cells healthy and youthful.

    Plus, it’s formulated with all-natural ingredients so you can rest easy knowing you’re doing something good for your body.

    1. Healthycell Telomere Length +
    Healthycell Telomere Length +

    Telomere Lengthening supplement from Healthycell combines a proprietary blend of nutrients, enzymes, and botanicals that have been shown to support telomere health and longevity.

    The supplement also includes antioxidants to help protect cells from damage and stress.

    Healthycell’s Telomere Lengthening supplement is clinically proven to slow telomere shortening and support healthy aging. It is backed by a 100-day money-back guarantee

    1. Codeage Life Telomere Supplement

    Codeage Life Telomere Supplement is a daily supplement that helps to support telomere health and protect against age-related Telomere shortening.

    The active ingredient in Codeage Life Telomere Supplement is a patented form of the Telomerase Enzyme, which has been clinically shown to lengthen telomeres.

    In addition, Codeage Life Telomere Supplement also contains a blend of vitamins and antioxidants that help to support cellular health. 

    1. T.A. Sciences | TA-65 Telomerase Activation
    T.A. Sciences | TA-65 Telomerase Activation

    T.A. Science’s telomere supplement contains TA-65 – a telomerase activator derived from the telomerase activator yeast, S. cerevisiae.

    In a double blind and placebo controlled study TA-65 has been shown to activate telomerase in human cells in vitro and to increase telomere length in vivo.

    TA-65 is also reported to improve measures of health, including increased energy levels, improved immune function, and reduced inflammation.

    1. CAW Hypersorption Cycloastragenol
    CAW Hypersorption Cycloastragenol

    CAW Hypersorption Cycloastragenol is the perfect supplement for lengthening telomeres.

    CAW Hypersorption Cycloastragenol is clinically proven to help reduce cellular aging and improve cell function.

    It also helps to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, two major contributors to telomere damage.

    This powerful supplement is the perfect way to keep your cells healthy and your telomeres protected!

    1. Life Code’s Stem Cell 100 Anti-Aging & Stem Cell Supplement
    Life Code's Stem Cell 100 Anti-Aging & Stem Cell Supplement

    Life Code’s Stem Cell 100’s powerful formula helps to protect your cells, including your stem cells, from the ravages of time.

    As we age, our cells age too, and this leads to all sorts of age-related problems. But with Stem Cell 100, you can help keep your cells healthy and young, so you can look and feel your best.

    This unique supplement contains an ingredient called Astragalus Membranaceus, which has been shown to promote cell health and protect telomeres (the bits of DNA that shorten as we age). It also includes several other nutrients that are essential for cell health, like vitamin C.

    1. Barlowe’s Herbal Elixirs Telos95® Telomere Support Complex
    Telos95® Telomere Support Complex

    The powerful Telos95 Telomere Support Complex from Barlowe’s Herbal Elixirs helps keep your telomeres healthy, protecting your DNA and slowing the aging process.

    This Telomere supplement is made with 100% pure ingredients and it has been clinicaly proven to Reduce Cellular Age by Increasing Telomere Length!

    With Barlowe’s Herbal Elixirs’ Telos95, you’ll feel young and energetic – and you can be sure that your cells are healthy and protected.

    1. Actif Telomere Mega Support Supplement

    Looking for a supplement that supports telomere health and provides memory and anti-aging support at teh same time?

    Actif Telomere Mega Support is a unique formula that contains 10+ vital factors for telomere and DNA health.

    This supplement also helps with energy levels and memory function.

    Made in the USA with non-GMO ingredients, this supplement is ideal for those who are looking for a safe and effective way to support their health as they age.

    What to look for when choosing a Telomere supplement

    A telomere supplement should suppress your appetite because the healthier food you eat will make you feel full faster and give your body more vital nutrients. Also the better optimized metabolism means that your body can perform its functions in an efficient manner, thereby reducing the number of calories you burn and making it easier to maintain your ideal weight.

    Also, antioxidants scavenge harmful toxins and byproducts that can damage cells, including telomeres. So make sure your supplement has a healthy dose of antioxidants as well.

    Third, when choosing a telomere supplement, be sure to check the ingredients list to ensure that the product does not contain any harmful or potentially harmful substances.

    Also, be sure to check the dosage to make sure that it is appropriate for your needs. Telomere supplements are generally safe and well tolerated, but as with any supplement, there is always the potential for side effects.

    Finally, keep in mind that just because a supplement is labeled as ”natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe or effective. Products also need to be independently evaluated for safety and effectiveness, which can be complicated. Things like quantity of the active ingredient, quality control measures and potential dose-related side effects all need to be considered too.

    Telomere Supplements Side Effects

    According to Nobel prize winner and author of the book The Telomere Effect: A Revolutionary Approach to Living Younger, Healthier, Longer – Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn, telomerase is a compound that has been studied for its potential to treat cancer and prevent aging.

    However, it also poses some risks due in part from high levels of this gene product being associated with brain tumors among others. Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking any telomere supplement to ensure that it is right for you.

    So, it is best to not exceed the recommended daily intake of telomere supplement, as this could have adverse effects. If you are looking to improve your cellular health, it is best to focus on eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress levels.

    These lifestyle choices have been shown to promote healthy cells and telomeres.

    How can you protect your telomeres from damage?

    Answer the question How can you protect your telomeres from damage telomeres can be protected from damage by telomerase – an enzyme that is responsible for telomere cell division.

    You can find telomerase in breast milk and it’s important for a baby’s kidney function and development. Eating a high-protein diet with vitamin B, antioxidants and telomerase might also protect telomeres from degeneration as well.

    We’ve come to learn recently that telomeres are made up of super coiled DNA end caps that act like the aglets on shoelaces, protecting the chromosomes from unraveling or sticking together

    The good news is they can be maintained through a healthy lifestyle! The bad news is that they shrink as we age and as a result our cells can’t replicate as many times.

    Some ways to protect telomeres and promote longevity are by:

    • Eating a balanced, healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
    • Exercising regularly
    • Maintaining a healthy weight
    • Reducing stress levels
    • Drinking plenty of fluids
    • Getting enough sleep
    • Supplementing with antioxidants, including vitamin C and E, selenium, beta-carotene and lycopene
    • Including omega-3 fatty acids in the diet from sources like fish oil supplements or flaxseeds
    • Consuming telomerase activators such as resveratrol found in red wine, green tea and some berries
    • Participating in activities that make you happy!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Scientists study telomeres by observing their structure and understanding the end-replication problem. They examine the role of the enzyme telomerase in extending telomeres and conduct genome-scale studies to map genes involved in telomere length control.

    Researchers are developing telomerase inhibitors and using physics and technology to discover new structures of telomeric DNA.

    They also study telomere length in different tissues to understand its implications for aging and disease. These methods provide insights into the structure and function of telomeres, their role in aging and disease, and potential therapeutic targets.

    Telomeres are protective “caps” at the ends of chromosomes. They safeguard the internal regions of chromosomes from damage and are worn down slightly in each round of DNA replication. This process is crucial for maintaining chromosomal integrity and stability.

    Telomere length can be measured using several methods:

    Quantitative PCR: This method measures absolute telomere length (aTL) using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). It involves introducing an oligomer standard to measure aTL.

    Molecular Combing: This technique measures telomere length on stretched DNA fibers. It can accurately measure telomere length in healthy individuals and identify critically short telomeres in patients with telomere biology disorders.

    Teloyears Test: This test measures average telomere length by analyzing the DNA found in the many thousands of white blood cells (leukocytes) in just one drop of blood.

    The average telomere length in healthy human cells varies from 5 (60–70 years old) to 20(<10 years) kilobases (source). Note that “average” can depend on many factors including age, lifestyle, and health status.

    Telomeres, the protective caps of our chromosomes, shorten with each cell cycle due to the end replication problem. This process, termed telomere attrition, is associated with many age-related disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Shorter telomere length in white blood cells has been linked to increased markers of brain degeneration and a higher risk of dementia. Conversely, longer telomere length has been associated with fewer brain markers of neurodegeneration and a lower risk of dementia.

    Final Take

    So far, telomere research has shown that telomeres are a key factor in aging and longevity. However, it’s still an ongoing area of research and scientists are constantly learning more about telomeres and how to protect them.

    By incorporating some of the tips, nutrients, and supplements mentioned above into your lifestyle, you can help keep your telomeres healthy and promote a longer lifespan!

    If you find our article on the best supplements for telomere protection and elongation helpful, feel free to share it with your loved ones or with people who are looking advice on buying the right supplement for them.

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