Can vitamin D supplements reverse aging? New study has the answers

Let’s admit it – in the era of the likes of Bryan Johnson , reverse aging is pretty much the trending thing. Whether by incorporating innovative technologies, or by practising elaborate wellness routines – people seem to be signing up for the ‘reverse aging’ regime.

And now, recent research has indicated that a simple measure can help them achieve the aim. Well, if not reverse the age entirely (hey, that’s logically not possible), it has the potential to slow down the aging process.


Read on to know more.


What does the research say?

Recent research indicates that individuals with higher vitamin D intake may experience a slowing of aging-related biological processes. This study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, explored the relationship between vitamin D and telomere length , which serves as a biological marker of cellular aging.

Telomeres, the protective caps on DNA at the ends of chromosomes, tend to shorten as people age, and shorter telomeres have been associated with an increased risk of various diseases. They are essential during cell division, preventing chromosomes from fusing or rearranging, and their shortening is linked to aging and an increased susceptibility to infections, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The researchers suggest that the observed benefits of vitamin D may be due to its role in reducing inflammation, which is also associated with autoimmune diseases and cancer.


What are the findings?

Focusing on approximately 900 participants from the larger trial, researchers found that those receiving vitamin D supplements experienced reduced telomere shortening over a four-year period compared to a placebo group. In contrast, Omega-3 supplementation did not show a significant effect on telomere length.

While these findings are promising, co-author JoAnn Manson emphasized that vitamin D is not a panacea. Some chronic diseases do not appear to be mitigated by vitamin D supplementation. She advocates for a focus on a healthy diet and lifestyle rather than solely relying on supplements. Nonetheless, targeted vitamin D supplementation may be beneficial for individuals with higher levels of inflammation or those at increased risk for chronic diseases related to inflammation.


Word of caution:

The study's design was randomized and double-blinded, ensuring that participants were evenly allocated between the vitamin D and placebo groups, enhancing the validity of the results. This method helps balance various demographic and health factors to ensure a fair comparison, allowing for more reliable conclusions about the impact of vitamin D on telomere length.


Should we run to buy vitamin D supplements now?

No, slow down!

Despite the research, experts caution against hastily purchasing vitamin D supplements. The majority of people in the United States generally receive adequate vitamin D through diet and sunlight exposure.

The new analysis is derived from the larger VITAL trial, a comprehensive study conducted over five years by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, involving nearly 26,000 participants, primarily women aged 55 and older and men aged 50 and older. Participants were given 2,000 IUs of vitamin D3 and 1 gram of Omega-3 fatty acids daily, primarily to assess their impact on cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention.


Sources of vitamin D :

Apart from an ample amount of sunlight, natural sources of Vitamin D include fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel, as well as egg yolks, and beef liver. Some mushrooms, particularly those treated with UV light, also provide Vitamin D. Fortified foods like milk, yogurt, and cereals also contribute to Vitamin D intake.