A study from Tufts University found that omega-3s prevented telomere shortening in the cells, which promotes cell longevity. Telomeres form the ends of the DNA strands and hold the strands together.  The sizes of the telomeres are reduced during cell division, which shortens them over time.  Eventually, Janice Kiecolt-Glaser from Ohio State University, and co-workers, in a study on overweight middle-aged and older adults, found that supplementing omega-3 fatty acids improved balance between omega-3s and omega-6 fatty acids, but did not affect telomere length. Past studies showed that more prolonged exposure to omega-3 preserved telomere length, so their findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acid supplements could improve cell health and longevity.