Influence of dietary antioxidant and oxidant intake on leukocyte telomere length

Abstract

Background: Telomeric DNA is highly susceptible to oxidative damage, and dietary habits may impact telomere attrition rates through the mediation of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Objectives: To examine the association between both the Dietary Inflammatory Index 2010 (DII) and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI) with relative Leukocyte Telomere Length. Design: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using baseline data from 301 healthy, inactive post-menopausal women. Diet quality was estimated using DII and AHEI scores derived from food frequency questionnaire data. LTL was measured using qPCR. Associations were examined using multivariable adjusted linear regression. Results: No statistically significant associations were detected between AHEI (p=0.20) or DII (p=0.91) and LTL in multivariable adjusted models. Conclusions: AHEI or DII scores were not related to LTL in this population. Future research is warranted to enhance understanding regarding the molecular processes involved in the relations between diet, telomere length and chronic disease risk.