How Vitamin D Protects Against Biological Aging

Supplementation with vitamin D contributes to slowing down biological aging, according to research published in ‘The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.’ The study found that vitamin D supplementation helps preserve telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, which shorten during aging and are linked to the development of certain diseases. Telomeres consist of repeated DNA sequences that prevent chromosome ends from degrading or fusing with other chromosomes. The shortening of telomeres is a natural part of aging and is associated with an increased risk of various age-related diseases. The same randomized controlled trial (VITAL) has previously shown benefits of vitamin D in reducing inflammation and lowering risks of chronic aging diseases such as advanced cancer and autoimmune diseases. In the study, women aged 55 and older and men aged 50 and older in the U.S. were followed for five years. Among 1,054 participants, telomere length in white blood cells was assessed at the start, after two years, and after four years. Compared to taking a placebo, taking vitamin D3 supplements (2,000 IU/day) significantly reduced telomere shortening over four years, preventing nearly three years of aging compared to the placebo. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acid supplements (1 g/day) were administered but did not significantly affect telomere length during the monitoring period.