HEALTH NEWS

Tocotrienols Extend Telomeres and Turn Back the Clock

By Byron J. Richards, Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist

February 11, 2013

Tocotrienols Extend Telomeres and Turn Back the Clock
A study with human cells and tocotrienols1demonstrated potent anti-aging effects of tocotrienols, actually extending the length of telomeres while preventing damage to DNA. This study is knocking on the door of the fountain of youth.

Tocotrienols are the most potent form of vitamin E.

Telomere length determines how many times a cell can split and divide before it runs out of gas and dies – a phenomena called the Hayflick limit. The theoretical maximum Hayflick limit for the human body is set at 120 years. Telomeres are shortened inappropriately by excessive free radical damage, which causes them to run into major problems long before age 120 in most people.

Figuring out how to extend telomeres is an intriguing anti-aging strategy. You need a way to extend telomeres while simultaneously preserving cellular health, which is exactly what this study demonstrates.

Exposure of human cells to tocotrienols enabled them to extend the length of their telomeres, while also rejuvenate the telomerase enzyme that enables the telomere to be replaced as the cell splits and divides. At the same time, tocotrienols prevented damage to DNA. This means the cells retained their health while being rejuvenated.

It is no small wonder that scientists are calling tocotrienols the vitamin E of the 21st century. Who knows, maybe if you take them you will live to see the 22nd century.

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