TABLE 7
Schematic representation of blood nutrients on telomere length in adults1
Blood nutrients Cross-sectional studies Case-control studies RCTs Macronutrients Plasma trans-fatty acids X — — Serum ω3-fatty acids O — — Micronutrients — — Serum vitamin D O /// — — Serum vitamin A X — — Serum vitamin C O — — Serum vitamin B-12 /// — — Serum vitamin E / — — Serum carotenoids O — — Serum folate O /// — — Serum ferritin / — — Plasma magnesium and calcium X — — Whole blood γ-tocopherol X X — — 1Circles indicate a protective effect on telomere length, the slash a neutral effect, and the cross a potential risk factor for telomere length. RCT, randomized clinical trial.