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How NAF1 and Telomere Health Affect Aging and Heart Wellness

Telomeres are protective caps on the ends of chromosomes that help preserve DNA during cell division. Each time a cell divides, telomeres shorten a bit. Over time this shortening contributes to cellular aging and influences overall health and lifespan. The NAF1 gene supports assembly of telomerase, the enzyme that can add DNA sequences back to telomeres and slow their shortening. Variations in NAF1 can affect how well telomerase is built and may change the pace of telomere shortening. One particular genetic marker, rs7675998, has been associated with differences in telomere length and cardiovascular sensitivity.

Why Telomere Maintenance Matters

When telomeres become critically short, cells can enter senescence or die, which affects tissue function and can contribute to age-related conditions. Because the heart and blood vessels rely on healthy cell turnover and repair, telomere shortening can be linked to increased cardiovascular sensitivity. While genes like NAF1 influence telomere maintenance, lifestyle, diet, and environment play large roles that can help protect telomeres and support heart health.

Practical, Evidence-Informed Ways to Support Telomeres and Heart Health

  • Antioxidant-rich diet: Plenty of vegetables and fruits provide polyphenols and vitamins that reduce oxidative stress on cells. Focus on berries, leafy greens, colorful vegetables, and foods high in vitamin C and E.
  • Magnesium: This mineral supports cellular function and DNA repair. Good food sources include dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains, avocados, and legumes.
  • Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): An antioxidant involved in cellular energy production. Found in fatty fish, organ meats, and available as a supplement. CoQ10 may be particularly useful for cardiovascular support.
  • Healthy fats: Omega 3 fatty acids from fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseed support vascular health and reduce inflammation.
  • Regular physical activity: Moderate aerobic exercise and resistance training support telomere maintenance, cardiovascular fitness, blood pressure, and metabolic health.
  • Stress management: Chronic stress accelerates telomere shortening. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, breathwork, yoga, and counseling can help regulate stress response.
  • Quality sleep: Aim for consistent, restorative sleep. Poor sleep is linked to inflammation and accelerated cellular aging.
  • Avoid smoking and limit excess alcohol: Both increase oxidative stress and are associated with shorter telomeres and higher cardiovascular risk.
  • Maintain healthy weight and metabolic markers: Keeping blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body weight in healthy ranges supports vascular and cellular health.

Dietary and Supplement Considerations

Consider a balanced, whole-foods diet emphasizing a mix of antioxidants, magnesium-rich foods, and healthy fats. If you and your healthcare provider decide supplements are appropriate, common options to discuss include magnesium, CoQ10, and a high-quality omega 3 supplement. A multivitamin that covers vitamin D, vitamin C, and vitamin E may also be helpful for some people. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you take medications or have health conditions.

Two effect alleles (AA) — What this means for you

If your genotype at rs7675998 is AA, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This variation in the NAF1 gene may influence how effectively your body assembles telomerase, the enzyme that helps maintain telomere length. People with this genotype are associated with a predisposition to shorter telomeres and increased cardiovascular sensitivity. Shorter telomeres may contribute to faster cellular aging and could make the cardiovascular system more vulnerable to stressors.

Actionable steps to consider:

  • Prioritize antioxidant-rich meals each day to reduce oxidative stress on cells.
  • Include magnesium-rich foods and consider magnesium supplementation if levels are low, after consulting your healthcare provider.
  • Discuss CoQ10 with your provider, especially if you have a history of cardiovascular concerns or take statin medications, which can affect CoQ10 levels.
  • Commit to regular aerobic exercise and strength training to support vascular repair and cellular maintenance.
  • Adopt stress reduction techniques and aim for consistent, restorative sleep to slow telomere shortening.
  • Track cardiovascular risk markers such as blood pressure, cholesterol, HbA1c or fasting glucose, and discuss monitoring frequency with your clinician.
One effect allele (AG) — What this means for you

If your genotype at rs7675998 is AG, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This may give you a moderate predisposition toward shorter telomeres compared with people who do not carry the effect allele. Research links this variation to increased cardiovascular sensitivity in some individuals.

Actionable steps to consider:

  • Focus on a heart-healthy, antioxidant-forward diet with leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and colorful produce.
  • Ensure adequate magnesium intake from foods like spinach, almonds, and legumes; consider testing magnesium status with your provider before supplementing.
  • Consider CoQ10-rich foods or discuss a supplement if recommended by your clinician, especially if you have cardiovascular risk factors.
  • Maintain a consistent physical activity routine that includes aerobic and resistance training to support telomere maintenance and cardiovascular resilience.
  • Practice daily stress management and aim for regular sleep patterns to protect telomere length and vascular health.
  • Work with your healthcare provider to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and other cardiovascular risk factors on a schedule appropriate for your age and health history.
Zero effect alleles (GG) — What this means for you

If your genotype at rs7675998 is GG, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This genotype is associated with typical telomere function and standard cardiovascular risk related to telomere maintenance. The NAF1 gene in this configuration supports routine telomerase assembly and telomere maintenance.

Actionable steps to consider:

  • Maintain a balanced, antioxidant-rich diet to support ongoing cellular and cardiovascular health.
  • Keep up magnesium intake through a varied diet and consider supplementation only if needed and guided by your healthcare provider.
  • Preserve cardiovascular fitness through regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management.
  • Continue routine screening for cardiovascular risk factors and follow preventive care recommendations with your clinician.

Monitoring and When to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

Genetic information is one piece of the health puzzle. Regular checkups and standard clinical tests are important to track cardiovascular and metabolic health. Discuss whether tests like fasting lipids, blood pressure monitoring, inflammatory markers, or nutrient status testing are appropriate for you. If you are considering supplements for telomere or heart support, review potential interactions with medications and health conditions with your healthcare provider.

Important Disclaimer

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions only. This content is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or lifestyle based on genetic information.