What are telomeres and telomerase?

While most of us know about DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid to those in the know), few of us have likely ever heard much about telomeres, despite how crucial to life they are.

The cells that form our bodies constantly replicate, replacing themselves with new copies as they wear out and die. Unfortunately, an inevitable result of this constant replication is that small portions from the ends of replicated DNA strands can be damaged or lost. This is why each strand is capped with what’s called a telomere. These telomeres, not unlike the hard plastic at the end of a shoelace, prevent the DNA from harm. The downside of this process is that telomeres are not infinite. As our bodies age and cell replication continues, telomeres can themselves wear down and are no longer able to protect DNA from damage. When cells can no longer safely replicate, they become what is called “senescent”, which in layman’s terms means “old”. This senescence leads to mutations and anomalies, some of which manifest as aging, cancer and other illnesses.

The discovery of telomeres was a massive boon for antiaging researchers. By discovering how to lengthen these telomeres, it would be possible to lengthen the healthy lives of people too.

Telomerase is the key to unlocking this antiaging potential. First discovered in 1984, it is an enzyme capable of repairing telomeres, essentially allowing cells to continue replicating normally without limitation. This means that by topping up on telomerase, it could be possible to halt, if not turn back, the aging process considerably.

Oxidative stress and its effect on aging

While it is true that we do not yet fully understand the aging process, one of the most popular explanations for its occurrence is what’s known as oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between reactive oxygen species or ROS (a necessary byproduct of cell respiration) and the body’s system of detoxifying and repairing the damage caused by these species. When the body’s systems are insufficient or compromised and cannot mitigate the negative effects caused by ROS, damage occurs to cells, including proteins, lipids and DNA. This oxidative stress can also lead to vicious cycles in which damaged cells produce increased amounts of ROS, leading, in turn, to even more substantial negative effects.

For a simple example of the damage oxidation can do, think of a freshly cut apple turning brown before your eyes, a piece of meat turning rancid or a wound becoming raw and inflamed; these are all the results of oxidation in nature. While they’re not exactly analogous to what happens inside your body, the principle is much the same. If your body’s detoxifying systems aren’t sufficient, your body could be under attack.

Are antioxidants an effective solution?

Since antioxidants first rose to prominence in the 1990s, much has been made of their potential to lengthen life, ward away disease and rejuvenate the body. Dietary antioxidants in particular, those found in fresh fruits and vegetables and beverages such as green tea, have gained tremendous traction in healthy eating circles and are commonly touted as “superfoods” for their detoxifying properties. But is it really worth stocking up on antioxidants?

While many of the antioxidants our body relies on are endogenous (created inside the body), others such as beta-carotene, lycopene and vitamins A, C and E need to be ingested through food or supplements. Some minerals such as selenium, while not antioxidants themselves, are crucial to the body’s ability to create them, and also must be acquired through diet.

Although it’s true that there is yet relatively little firm scientific evidence that surplus antioxidants (those found beyond normal dietary levels) have measurable health benefits, it is also true that many people do not get anywhere near the recommended level of antioxidant micronutrients in their regular diets. In fact, nutritional deficiencies are common in many people, even in an age where it is easier than ever to access a wide range of fruits and vegetables. Whether it is because of prohibitive cost in time or money, or even fussy eating, large proportions of the population regularly miss out on all the dietary goodies they require. In these cases, supplements offer a valuable and easily obtained solution.

Antioxidants keep your skin young

When it comes to protecting your skin, there are a number of antioxidants that can help. Vitamins A, C and E, as well as the mineral selenium all assist in protecting your skin, particularly from the harmful rays of the sun, and unlike sunscreens and moisturisers, they work from the inside out by actually guarding your cells from damage. Vitamin A and C also encourage cell and tissue growth, which is crucial as skin constantly sheds and regrows.

This is why TA-65^® for Skin Telomerase Complex is such an ideal skin care solution. Not only can it be directly applied quickly and simply, it provides a comprehensive antioxidant treatment to support your skin with the nutrients it needs most.