DNA Damage Prevention: A preclinical model to test bioefficacy and safety of a novel micronutrient and phytonutrient formulation

Purpose: DNA damage is associated with accelerated ageing. Optimising nutrition to minimise DNA damage is an important strategy to improve health. This study evaluated novel micronutrient formulations designed to enhance genome integrity and cellular health. Methods: Following a comprehensive literature review, candidate micronutrients, minerals, and plant-derived phytonutrients were selected, and two formulations developed. Formulation 1 (F1) contained micronutrients essential for DNA replication and repair, while Formulation 2 (F2) comprised antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Efficacy was tested individually, and in combination, using a preclinical in vitro human lymphocyte model, assessing genome stability using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay, and telomere length measurements. Effects were examined across different doses and under both micronutrient-deficient or micronutrient-replete culture conditions. Results: In micronutrient-deficient cultures, supplementation with F1 alone and the combined F1+F2 formulation significantly reduced DNA damage biomarker frequency. In contrast, F2 alone did not reduce DNA damage biomarkers, and in one case increased their frequency, possibly reflecting pro-oxidant activity of one or more components under conditions lacking micronutrients in F1. In micronutrient-replete cultures, neither formulation increased DNA damage biomarkers, suggesting a favourable safety profile in nutritionally replete conditions. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the feasibility of evaluating micronutrient formulations using this preclinical genome-stability model. Results suggest that supplementation with F1+F2 may reduce DNA damage in individuals with subclinical micronutrient deficiencies.