Researchers have discovered that vitamin D supplements may be the key to slowing down biological aging. A new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that taking vitamin D can preserve telomeres, the tiny caps at the ends of our chromosomes that shrink as we age and are tied to diseases like cancer and heart issues.
The study, which tracked women and men over 50 for five years, revealed that vitamin D seems to shield telomeres. However, it’s essential to note that there is no consensus on the optimal level of vitamin D intake, with different organizations recommending varying levels.
To put this into perspective, the recommended daily dose of vitamin D is around 2000 IU/d, which is equivalent to 5 mL. The study participants consumed this amount without experiencing any negative side effects.
While vitamin D supplements may be beneficial, it’s not a substitute for lifestyle choices that promote overall health and well-being. Dr. JoAnn Manson, the principal investigator of the VITAL trial, emphasizes the importance of exercise outdoors, such as brisk walking or playing sports, which can provide enough sunlight to synthesize vitamin D.
In addition to supplements, good sources of vitamin D include fatty fish like salmon and sardines, wild mushrooms, dairy products, and orange juice. The sun is also a natural source of vitamin D, with just 15 minutes of midday exposure being enough for the skin to produce it.
Source: https://nypost.com/2025/05/21/health/popular-supplement-may-be-secret-to-slowing-down-aging-study