No image available.
In the realm of health and wellness, an intriguing link has been made between a commonly used vitamin and the aging process, with a new Harvard study potentially bolstering earlier findings.
Published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, this research has revealed that daily intake of vitamin D can significantly lessen telomere shortening — a well-known indicator of aging.
Telomeres, likened to plastic tips on shoelaces, act as protective caps on our chromosomes, as explained by researchers at Harvard.
VITAMIN D AS A POTENTIAL ANTI-AGING AGENT
As individuals age, their telomeres naturally shorten, which boosts the chances of health issues and heightened mortality rates, according to earlier research.
Further studies have also pointed out that elevated vitamin D levels in the bloodstream correlate with longer telomeres.
CONTINUE READING ON FOX NEWS APP
This latest trial involved close to 1,000 participants over the age of 50 who were split into two groups; one group took 2,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D immensely each day, while the other received placebo pills.
After four years, those in the vitamin D group showed less than half of the shortening of telomeres compared to those who took placebo. Along with this, there were fewer signs of autoimmune diseases and lower inflammation levels.
VITAMIN D AND AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE REDUCTION
Lead author JoAnn Manson, a professor at Harvard Medical School, noted that these results “hint at a bright possibility for vitamin D in decelerating aspects of biological aging and chronic diseases tied to age.”
Though the researchers found it surprising that vitamin D provided such relief from telomere shortening, Manson explained to Fox News Digital that this aligns with prior studies.
“Vitamin D helps mitigate inflammation, which is a major factor contributing to telomere shortening and age-related diseases,” she said.
A fair discussion around “adequate” vitamin D levels is ongoing, according to Manson, who reported that a daily intake of 2000 IU was “very safe” with nobody facing adverse effects.
MAINTAINING VITALITY THROUGH DIETARY CHOICES
The distinction in recommended blood levels often varies by institution, causing confusion regarding testing effectiveness, she added.
Manson highlighted that although the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force refrains from recommending widespread vitamin D blood level screening or routine supplementation, the National Academy of Medicine advises 600 IU daily for people up to 70 years, incrementing to 800 IU after that.
Recently updated advice from the Endocrine Society proposes that vitamin D supplements could be beneficial for certain demographics, such as older adults, children, and expecting mothers, yet without a specific dosage recommendation.
If individuals are concerned about satisfying their vitamin D needs through diet or sunlight, Manson recommends a supplementation of 1000 to 2000 IU per day.
“In the U.S., many staple foods, including dairy, cereals, and orange juice, are often fortified with vitamin D, so vigilant label reading can facilitate healthier choices,” she suggested.
Additionally, she pointed out that nutrient-rich foods like fatty fish and wild mushrooms are excellent sources of vitamin D.
Particular groups of people may be more susceptible to vitamin D deficiency, including nursing home residents, those with conditions affecting nutrient absorption such as Crohn’s or celiac disease, as well as individuals in osteoporosis treatment, and those with strict dietary restrictions, such as severe lactose intolerance.
“Those in such categories should consult healthcare professionals about testing their vitamin D levels and potentially acquiring supplements,” Manson advised.
According to Manson, only modest amounts of vitamin D are essential for strong health as its metabolism is finely controlled in the body.
“Higher doses beyond 10,000 IU a day might pose risks of increased calcium levels in blood or urine and toxicity,” she cautioned.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Manson emphasized that supplements should complement — not replace — a healthy diet and active lifestyle.
“While it might be simpler to take a pill, keeping active outdoors and maintaining a balanced diet are vastly more beneficial for your heart health and guards against chronic diseases,” she stated.
An afternoon walk for just 15 minutes a few times a week in the sunlight is generally sufficient for the skin to produce vitamin D, Manson explained.
“Equally critical for one’s health is partaking in outdoor activities like brisk walks, jogging, or sports,” she added.
Although the findings are promising, Manson noted that replicating these results in future randomized trials will be essential to update broader vitamin D intake guidelines.
For more insight into health topics, visitwww.foxnews.com/health
This study received partial support from notable institutions including the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Cancer Institute, and National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
