Different fats can hurt or help your cells' DNA
Linoleic acid and antioxidants protect against DNA damage and apoptosis induced by palmitic acid.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
A common dietary saturated fat directly induces DNA damage in human cells
While saturated fats have been linked to heart disease, showing they can cause DNA damage — a step toward aging and cancer — is a more direct and severe biological effect than commonly assumed.
Practical Takeaways
Consider balancing intake of saturated fats (like palmitic acid) with sources of linoleic acid (such as vegetable oils) and antioxidant-rich foods.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
A common dietary saturated fat directly induces DNA damage in human cells
While saturated fats have been linked to heart disease, showing they can cause DNA damage — a step toward aging and cancer — is a more direct and severe biological effect than commonly assumed.
Practical Takeaways
Consider balancing intake of saturated fats (like palmitic acid) with sources of linoleic acid (such as vegetable oils) and antioxidant-rich foods.
Publication
Journal
Mutation research
Year
2003
Authors
N. Beeharry, J. Lowe, Alma L. Rosales Hernandez, J. Chambers, F. Fucassi, P. Cragg, Michael H. L. Green, I. Green
Related Content
Claims (3)
Palmitic acid, a type of fat, might damage DNA in human cells, according to lab studies.
Some healthy fats and vitamins might protect cells from damage caused by a common unhealthy fat — at least in lab dishes.
The types of fat you eat can either help protect your DNA or harm it, depending on which fats they are — at least in lab-grown human cells.