Genome Instability, Gray Hair, and Aging

A new theory of aging is soon to take center stage, one based on genome instability¹. Research into the mechanisms relating to how hair turns gray is turning up some interesting findings.

DNA of cells is able to repair a tremendous amount of damage as a matter of routine function, up to 100,000 DNA damaging events per cell per day. Keeping up with the process requires adequate antioxidants and other regeneration nutrients.

In the current research it was found that ultraviolet stress could eventually overload the DNA repair capacity of the melanocyte stem cells that provide hair color. Interestingly, the process ends up causing too many stem cells to mature, depleting the pool of “energized” melanocyte stem cells that make color. The researchers also identified protective mechanism to prevent the depletion of stem cells.

The research illustrates a fundamental new view of aging, one involving the accelerated depletion of stem cell pools due to DNA damage. The researchers believe that such genomic instability is a common theme of aging, as other new research demonstrates similar findings relating to your blood, heart, and muscles.

The ability to activate vitagenes, maintain antioxidant reserves, and enhance repair capacity – along with reducing the effects of stress in general are now key themes that will represent the cutting edge nutritional solutions related to this new understanding of aging.