Vitamin D can help slow aging, discover the study

A clinical trial suggests that vitamin D can slow cell aging by preserving telomeres. Researchers urge prudence on the dosage and emphasize the lifestyle as the most reliable path towards healthy aging.

Vitamin D supplements can help protect protective ceilings on our chromosomes that influence the rhythm of aging, which increases the hope that “sun vitamin” could support a healthier longevity, according to a recent study.

The researchers indicated that taking 2,000 IUs (international units, a standard measurement of vitamin) of vitamin D each day helped preserve telomeres, small structures at the ends of chromosomes which act as plastic points of laces, armor DNA Damage during cell division.

Each of our 46 chromosomes ends with a telomere, which gradually shortens each time a cell divides. Once the telomeres become seriously short, the cells lose the ability to divide and finally die.

The shortcut telomeres have been associated with several major age -related conditions, including cancer, heart disease and osteoarthritis. Factors such as smoking, chronic stress and depression seem to accelerate this process, while the inflammatory processes of the body also contribute to the loss of telomeres.

Beyond strong bones

Vitamin D is widely recognized for its role in bone health, in particular to help the body absorb calcium. The adequate contribution is particularly important for children, adolescents and people with darker skin or exposure limited to the sun to ensure good growth and bone maintenance.

But vitamin D also feeds our immune system. An examination of evidence has revealed that vitamin D supplements can reduce respiratory infections, especially in deficient people.

The first research even suggests that it could help prevent autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and multiple sclerosis, although more tests are necessary.

Since inflammation damages telomeres, the anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D could explain its protective role.

Test vitamin D in a clinical study

In this recent study, from Augusta University in the United States, researchers followed 1,031 people with an average age of 65 years for five years, measuring their telomeres at the start, after two years and after four years. Half took 2,000 IUs of vitamin D per day, while the other half received a placebo.

The results have shown that telomeres were kept by 140 base pairs in the vitamin D group, compared to a placebo. To put this in context, previous research has revealed that telomeres naturally shorten around 460 base pairs over a decade, which suggests that the protective effect of S vitamin could be really significant.

This is not the first promising discovery. Previous studies have reported similar advantages, while the Mediterranean diet – rich in anti -inflammatory nutrients – has also been linked to longer telomeres.

The taking

But there are important points to note. Some researchers warn that extremely long telomeres could in fact increase the risk of illness, which suggests that there is a sweet spot that we do not yet understand.

There is no longer an agreement on the right dose. Augusta researchers used 2,000 IU per day – much higher than the current recommended consumption of 600 IU for children under 70 and 800 IU for the elderly. However, other research suggests that only 400 IUs could help prevent colds.

Experts say that the optimal dose probably depends on individual factors, including existing vitamin D levels, global nutrition and the way vitamin interacts with other nutrients.

Although these results are exciting, it is too early to start to burst from high dose vitamin D in the hope of slowing aging. The strongest evidence of healthy aging always highlights the basics: a balanced diet, a regular exercise, a quality sleep, not smoking and stress management, which naturally support the health of telomeres.

However, if you are deficient in vitamin D or at risk of poor bone health, supplements remain a judicious choice supported by decades of research. While scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of aging, the role of establishment vitamin in maintaining our cell clocks can be just a much larger piece of a puzzle.

Reference: “Vitamin D3 and Marine Ω-3 Acids Fatty Acids and Telomères leukocyte lengths: 4-year randomization of Haidong Zhu, Joann E Manson, Nancy R Cook, Bayu B Bekele, Li, William, Kevin J Kane, Ying Huang, Wenjun, William Lee and Yanbin Dong, May 21, 2025 THE American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
DOI: 10.1016/J.AJCNUT.2025.05.003

Adapted from an article initially published in the conversation.

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