Transferrin saturation concentrations associated with telomeric ageing: a population-based study

Peer-Reviewed Scientific Journal:
British Journal of Nutrition

Size of study:
1174 men and women aged 50–79 years

Summary
In this study, researchers wanted to investigate any association between blood iron (FE) levels and telomere length. They measured leukocyte telomere length and iron related biomarkers – ferritin, transferrin saturation (TSAT), total Fe-binding capacity (TIBC). They analyzed their results and found that TSAT was inversely associated with telomere length. In other words, the higher the transferrin saturation levels of the blood, the shorter the telomere length and vice versa. Conversely, TIBC was positively correlated with telomere length meaning that the higher the TIBC, the longer the telomeres. This interesting study finds clear evidence of the role of FE as a potential promoter of oxidation and reinforces a hypothesis that FE levels may play an role in the aging process.

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