A new study has found that excessive blue light exposure from smartphones, TVs and computer screens may impact basic cellular function and accelerate ageing.

The study published in the Frontiers of Aging discovered highly elevated levels of important metabolites – chemicals essential for cells to function correctly - in fruit flies exposed to blue light for 14 days, suggesting impairments in energy production and signs of neurodegeneration.

The findings showed that cells exposed to blue light operate at a suboptimal level which may lead to premature death and accelerate ageing.

Study author Jun Yang from Oregon State University said, “Our research shows that long-term exposure to blue light could cause energy reduction in mitochondria which is detrimental to cellular health.”

Numerous studies have shown that prolonged exposure to blue light may cause eye damage, affect sleep quality and may be linked to obesity and psychological problems.

Research shows that South Africa ranks fourth in the world for the most time spent on the internet at 10 hours and 6 minutes per day, while another study shows that South African youths between the ages of 18 and 26 years old check their mobile phones almost 30 times an hour.

Health expert Vanessa Ascencao said that volumes of research highlight the negative effects of excessive screen use on health. She encouraged South Africans to create healthier habits such as taking regular digital detoxes, setting up tech-free areas in the home and getting out into nature as often as possible.  

“Practice deep breathing techniques to reduce stress, get enough restorative sleep every night and increase intake of nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables and healthy fats, as these are high in omega 3 fatty acids and may help reduce inflammation, depression, improve eye health and promote healthy ageing,” said Ascencao.  

“In addition, try high quality supplements such as Omega 3 Fortified which delivers a potent dose of EPA and DHA, has tested purity, is created from a sustainable source and contains Lutemax 2020™, a scientifically studied lutein and zeaxanthin combination, which is beneficial for eye health and vitamin K2 to help enhance cognitive and cardiovascular health,” she added.