A new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found that vitamin D supplementation may slow biological aging by preserving the length of telomeres, protective caps at the end of chromosomes. Researchers who tracked nearly 1,054 adults for four years found that those taking 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily experienced less telomere shortening compared to a placebo group.
Telomeres naturally shorten with each cell division, and their shortening is linked to chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that vitamin D supplementation may slow this process, providing an aging advantage of almost three years for those taking the supplement. However, experts caution that it should not be seen as a cure-all and should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Vitamin D is essential for immune system function, calcium absorption, and bone health, but its benefits can be limited by lifestyle factors such as sunscreen use or geographical location. The study’s findings provide hope for targeted supplementation as a strategy to counter biological aging, but further research is needed to confirm the results.
Source: https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/health-and-wellness-around-the-world/article-855305