Effects of dietary interventions on telomere dynamics

Telomeres play a critical role in maintaining cellular fate through tight regulation of cell division and DNA damage or repair. Over the years, it is established that biological ageing is defined by a gradual derangement in functionality, productivity, and robustness of biological processes. The link between telomeres and ageing is highlighted when derangement in telomere biology often leads to premature ageing and concomitant accom-paniment of numerous age-associated diseases. Unfortunately, given that ageing is a biologically complicated intricacy, measures to reduce morbidity and improve longevity are still largely in the infancy stage. Recently, it was discovered that dietary habits and interventions might play a role in promoting successful healthy ageing. The intricate relationship between dietary components and its potential to protect the integrity of telomeres may provide unprecedented health benefits and protection against age-related pathologies. However, more focused prospective and follow-up studies with and without interventions are needed to unequivocally link dietary in-terventions with telomere maintenance in humans. This review aims to summarise recent findings that inves-tigate the roles of nutrition on telomere biology and provide enough evidence for further studies to consider the topic of nutrigenomics and its contributions toward healthy ageing and concomitant strategy against age-associated diseases.

Automated summary

Telomeres play a critical role in maintaining cellular fate and are closely related to ageing and age-associated diseases. Dietary habits and interventions may promote healthy ageing, but further research is needed to establish the link between dietary intervention and telomere maintenance.