Telomeres, located at the end of chromosomes, protect them from deterioration or merging after cell division. As individuals age, DNA replication causes a slow loss of DNA material from the chromosome ends, eventually resulting in severely shortened telomeres. This sequence of events can ultimately result in DNA damage and the development of age-associated diseases.
Telomere length and specifically the percentage of critically short and critically long telomeres in your cells, serves as an indicator of various health aspects such as:
Given that environmental and lifestyle factors can affect telomere length, these characteristics can serve as a valuable biomarker for evaluating actual health risks.
The regulation of the telomeric final length is influenced and determined both by genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors.
Enhanced dietary intake, sufficient supplementation, exercise, normal body weight, stress management and telomerase activators contribute to telomere length preservation.
Smoking, alcohol, stress, obesity, drugs, poor diet, lack of sleep, oxidation and lack of vitamins negatively trigger telomere shortening.