A new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that vitamin D supplementation may help preserve the lengths of protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, known as telomeres. Telomere length is a key component of healthy aging, and shortening of these caps has been linked to certain age-related diseases.
Researchers tracked 1,054 participants for five years, measuring telomere length in white blood cells. The study found that vitamin D3 supplements significantly reduced telomere shortening and prevented the equivalent of nearly three years of aging in people who took vitamin D compared to those given a placebo.
While experts agree that the new research is interesting, they note that it has its limits. The study had only a relatively small number of participants and focused on telomeres in white blood cells. Additionally, the clinical implications of this study are limited due to these factors.
Experts emphasize that slowing biological aging may have important benefits, including improved life expectancy and quality of life, as well as reduced risk of disease states. However, they also stress that lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet, stress management, adequate sleep, and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol are more broadly supported strategies for healthy aging.
In terms of vitamin D supplementation, experts recommend discussing with a healthcare provider to determine the ideal amount needed based on individual factors such as sun exposure, skin tone, kidney function, and other variables. They also note that people with healthy vitamin D levels may not need supplementation, and there is currently no documentation of reduced cancer rates or improved outcomes from COVID-19.
Source: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/vitamin-d-supplements-may-slow-biological-aging