Quick takeaways
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Brazilian researchers found that kids with higher blood levels of EPA & DHA had less DNA damage than peers with lower levels.
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The link was stronger for omega-3s than for vitamins B12, riboflavin, or beta-carotene.
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Omega-3s may guard DNA by resolving inflammation and dampening pro-inflammatory pathways derived from omega-6 fats.
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In adults, higher omega-3 status is tied to slower telomere shortening, healthier aging, and lower all-cause mortality.
The study, in plain English
Scientists measured diet, body metrics and blood levels of several nutrients (EPA, DHA, vitamin B12, riboflavin, beta-carotene) in 140 healthy children and teens. To check DNA integrity, they used the gold-standard comet assay.
Result: children with more EPA+DHA in their blood had less DNA damage. None of the other nutrients tracked showed as strong a relationship.
Why omega-3s might protect DNA
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EPA & DHA are building blocks for specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)—the “cleanup crew” that helps switch inflammation off and promote repair.
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They compete with omega-6 (arachidonic acid) for enzymes, lowering pro-inflammatory eicosanoids that can stress cells and DNA.
These findings echo earlier work: fish oil reduced DNA damage in endothelial cells, and a vegetable + omega-3-rich oil diet lowered DNA damage in people with diabetes.
Telomeres, longevity & the Omega-3 Index
Your chromosomes are capped by telomeres—protective tips that shorten with age and stress. Higher omega-3 status has been linked to slower telomere shortening over five years in heart-disease patients.
Large cohort studies back a broader longevity signal:
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In the Cardiovascular Health Study, higher long-chain omega-3s (EPA, DPA, DHA) were associated with an 18% lower odds of “unhealthy aging.”
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In Framingham Offspring, a higher Omega-3 Index related to a ~33% lower risk of death from any cause; in comparisons, the Omega-3 Index outperformed serum cholesterol as a risk predictor.
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In the WHI Memory Study, women with Omega-3 Index >8% had a 31% lower risk of all-cause mortality vs. <4%.
Practical ways to support kids’ omega-3 status
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Seafood 2–3×/week: salmon, sardines, herring, trout, anchovies.
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For selective eaters: try tuna pouches, salmon burgers, fish tacos, or fortified foods.
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Supplements: fish or algal oil can help fill gaps—talk with your pediatrician about form and dose.
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For parents: consider checking your Omega-3 Index (ideal adult target: 8–12%) to personalize intake and model habits at home.
Note: The children’s study was observational; it shows associations, not cause-and-effect. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting supplements for kids.
The bottom line
Higher omega-3 levels (EPA & DHA) are linked with less DNA damage in kids, and in adults with healthier aging markers—from telomeres to longevity. Building regular sources of marine omega-3s into the family routine is a simple, food-first step with long-term upside.
