What is proteostasis and why is it vital for healthy aging?

Aging is a multifactorial process that progressively affects the function of biological systems. One of the key mechanisms involved is the loss of proteostasis , a term that refers to the dynamic balance a cell maintains in producing, folding, monitoring, repairing, and degrading its proteins.

Proteins are fundamental molecules in virtually all cellular functions. They act as enzymes, scaffolds, receptors, transport channels, and chemical signals. To fulfill these functions, proteins must be synthesized correctly, fold into specific three-dimensional structures, and remain stable for the appropriate amount of time. When these conditions are altered, the cell experiences stress, accumulates misfolded or damaged proteins, and can trigger inflammatory processes, mitochondrial dysfunction, or even cell death.

Proteostasis: A Complex Network of Cell Surveillance

Proteostasis does not depend on a single mechanism, but on an interconnected network of processes that include:

• Protein synthesis , which becomes less precise with age.

• Chaperone proteins , which help fold other proteins and prevent their aggregation.

• The proteasome , responsible for degrading damaged or misfolded proteins.

• Autophagy , a cellular recycling system that removes defective or aged components, including proteins.

With aging, these systems progressively deteriorate. The ability to produce functional proteins decreases, chaperones are expressed in lower amounts, and degradation mechanisms become less efficient. As a result, an accumulation of defective or toxic proteins occurs, which is a common feature of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The impact of loss of proteostasis on aging

The loss of proteostasis is not only an intracellular phenomenon. It has systemic consequences, as it:

• It contributes to the chronic low-grade inflammation that accompanies aging.

• It affects mitochondrial functionality, generating a negative feedback loop between protein damage and oxidative stress.

• The number of senescent cells increases, which in turn release inflammatory proteins and perpetuate tissue deterioration.

These changes not only affect longevity but also quality of life. Older adults with dysfunction in protein control systems are more susceptible to degenerative diseases, loss of muscle mass, immunological impairment, and a reduced capacity to recover from metabolic or physical stress.

Strategies to support proteostasis through nutrition and supplementation

One of the most promising lines of intervention is based on modulating proteostasis through nutrition and dietary supplements. The scientific literature has identified several essential nutrients that can indirectly contribute to this balance:

• Magnesium , present in Magnesium Sevens , is a necessary cofactor for numerous enzymes involved in protein synthesis and stability. Its deficiency has been associated with increased oxidative stress and protein misfolding.

• B vitamins , such as B6, B12, and folic acid, all included in Sevens Multivitamins , are involved in DNA methylation and the regulation of cellular metabolism. Their role is crucial in the synthesis of amino acids and in protecting the nervous system, which is highly sensitive to alterations in proteostasis.

• Zinc and selenium , also present in Sevens Multivitamins , are cofactors of antioxidant enzymes that reduce oxidative damage to proteins.

• Omega-3 fatty acids , such as those contained in Omega 3 Sevens , modulate the systemic inflammatory response, promoting a more stable metabolic environment for protein function.

Conclusion

Proteostasis represents one of the pillars of cellular longevity. Its maintenance depends on a delicate balance that is compromised with age. However, understanding this process offers us the opportunity to intervene strategically to preserve cellular function, delay the onset of age-related diseases, and improve our long-term quality of life. Adequate nutrition, combined with evidence-based supplementation, can be a powerful tool to support these mechanisms and strengthen the body's biological resilience to aging.