A Natural Product Telomerase Activator Lengthens Telomeres in Humans: A Randomized, Double Blind, and Placebo Controlled Study.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Individual randomized controlled trial
PubMed 26950204 · doi:10.1089/rej.2015.1793
What was done
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effect of TA-65, a dietary supplement identified as a small molecule telomerase activator, over a 1-year period. The study enrolled 117 relatively healthy, cytomegalovirus-positive adults aged 53–87 years. Participants received a low dose of TA-65 (250 U), a high dose of TA-65 (1000 U), or placebo. Telomere length (TL) changes (median and 20th percentile) were assessed over the 12-month period.
What was found
Subjects receiving low-dose TA-65 (250 U) experienced a statistically significant increase in TL over 12 months (530 ± 180 bp; p = 0.005), whereas the placebo group showed a significant loss in TL (290 ± 100 bp; p = 0.01). The high-dose group (1000 U) showed a trend toward improvement in TL compared with the placebo group, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. TL changes in the low-dose group were similar for both median and 20th percentile TLs.
Why it matters
This study provides randomized controlled trial evidence in humans that oral supplementation with a natural telomerase activator can increase leukocyte telomere length over 12 months.
Limits
The sample size was modest (n = 117) and restricted exclusively to cytomegalovirus-positive older adults. The trial showed an unexpected lack of a clear dose-response gradient, as significant lengthening was observed at the lower dose but not at the higher dose. Clinical outcomes, functional biomarkers, and long-term safety were not reported in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports Following subjects on a telomerase-activating supplement for one year resulted in improved telomere length.