Share

Multiple pregnancies may slow down women's ageing

accreditation
Pregnant woman - Google free Images
Pregnant woman - Google free Images

Looking at chromosomes, scientists found that women who have more kids have longer telomeres, which helps slow the ageing process. Telomeres are caps of DNA at the end of each chromosome.

Slower pace of telomere shortening

Like the tips found at the end of shoelaces, telomeres protect chromosomes and their critical genetic information from damage.

Having sufficiently long telomeres is essential for cells to be able to multiply. As people age, telomeres shorten, eventually leading to cell death, according to the U.S. National Cancer Institute.

The new study by Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada, included 75 women from two rural communities in Guatemala. Their telomere lengths were measured through cheek and saliva swabs taken twice 13 years apart.

The research suggested but did not prove that giving birth to more children was associated with a slower pace of telomere shortening and increased longevity.

Read: Shorter telomere length again linked to cancer 

These findings challenge previous research that concluded that having more children accelerates the rate of ageing.

More social support

"The slower pace of telomere shortening found in the study participants who have more children, however, may be attributed to the dramatic increase in oestrogen, a hormone produced during pregnancy. Oestrogen functions as a potent antioxidant that protects cells against telomere shortening," said study leader Pablo Nepomnaschy, a health sciences professor from Simon Fraser.

The researchers noted that the women's social environment may have also influenced their slower rate of ageing.

"The women we followed over the course of the study were from natural fertility populations where mothers who bear numerous children receive more social support from their relatives and friends," said Nepomnaschy in a university news release. "Greater support leads to an increase in the amount of metabolic energy that can be allocated to tissue maintenance, thereby slowing down the process of ageing."

Read more

Old age comes faster for HIV+

Smokers' skin ages faster

Age takes toll on facial bones

Video games may help keep aging brains sharp

Image: Mother and kids from iStock

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE