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Posted on 09/03/2025 9:54:10 AM PDT by Red Badger
Vitamin D supplements could help protect the caps on our chromosomes that slow aging, sparking hopes the sunshine vitamin might keep us healthier for longer, a recent study suggests.
The researchers discovered that taking 2,000 IU (international units, a standard measure for vitamins) of vitamin D daily helped maintain telomeres – the tiny structures that act like plastic caps on shoelaces, protecting our DNA from damage every time cells divide.
Telomeres sit at the end of each of our 46 chromosomes, shortening every time a cell copies itself. When they become too short, cells can no longer divide and eventually die.
Related: Green Tea And a Vitamin Supplement Could Protect Against Alzheimer's
Scientists have linked shorter telomeres to some of our most feared diseases of aging, including cancer, heart disease and osteoarthritis. Smoking, chronic stress and depression all appear to speed up telomere shortening, while inflammatory processes in the body also take their toll.
Beyond strong bones
It is well known that vitamin D is essential for bone health, helping our bodies absorb calcium. Children, teenagers and people with darker skin or limited sun exposure particularly need adequate levels to build and maintain strong bones.
But vitamin D also powers our immune system. A review of evidence found that vitamin D supplements can cut respiratory infections, especially in people who are deficient.
Early research even suggests it might help prevent autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and multiple sclerosis, though more trials are needed.
Since inflammation damages telomeres, vitamin D's anti-inflammatory effects could explain its protective role.
In this recent study, from Augusta University in the US, the researchers followed 1,031 people with an average age of 65 for five years, measuring their telomeres at the start, after two years, and after four years. Half took 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily, while the other half received a placebo.
The results showed that telomeres were preserved by 140 base pairs in the vitamin D group, compared with a placebo. To put this in context, previous research found that telomeres naturally shorten by about 460 base pairs over a decade, suggesting vitamin D's protective effect could be genuinely meaningful.
This isn't the first promising finding. Earlier studies have reported similar benefits, while the Mediterranean diet – rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients – has also been linked to longer telomeres.
The catch
But there are some important points to note. Some researchers warn that extremely long telomeres might actually increase disease risk, suggesting there's a sweet spot we don't yet understand.
There's also no agreement on the right dose. The Augusta researchers used 2,000 IU daily – much higher than the current recommended intake of 600 IU for under-70s and 800 IU for older adults. Yet other research suggests just 400 IU might help prevent colds.
Experts say the optimal dose probably depends on individual factors, including existing vitamin D levels, overall nutrition and how the vitamin interacts with other nutrients.
Although these findings are exciting, it's too early to start popping high-dose vitamin D in the hope of slowing aging. The strongest evidence for healthy aging still points to the basics: a balanced diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, not smoking and managing stress, all of which naturally support telomere health.
However, if you're deficient in vitamin D or at risk of poor bone health, supplements remain a sensible choice backed by decades of research.
As scientists continue unravelling the mysteries of aging, vitamin D's role in keeping our cellular clocks ticking may prove to be just one piece of a much larger puzzle.
Dervla Kelly, Associate Professor, Pharmacology, University of Limerick
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It seems to me that there are too many variables on dosage, based on the recipient’s physiology.
Blood level seems the only way to know you are getting what you need.
I keep mine above 65.
Hmmmmmmm! Just give out the secret number already.
Will it lower my PSA?
what if you get a lot of sunlight
Take a walk in the sunshine...10 minutes...stop with the lotion unless you’re going to be in the sun for a stretch.
Don’t know.
I take Standard Process Cyruta Plus to handle this.
Can you keep it at that level by sun exposure?
Which lab or testing company did you use for D level ? Or did you get lab at doctors office?
Depends on where you live...those at equator have less cancer, I have heard
yes but most Africans die before age 35 from dysentery so I guess their teleromes are the least of their problems?
Curcumin, boron, and mangosteen powder can reduce your PSA, along with other supplements.
Makes since, Ive read that D can accelerate the development of kidney stones.
Green tea extract (EGCG) also helps with PSA.
The vitamin D created by your body from sunlight has been shown to last longer than supplemental. As we age the bodies ability to manufacture vitamin D from sunshine wanes, if indeed you get enough sun.
The vaxx screwed up my body chemistry but the blood tests I had to undergo established the supplements I needed (D & Fe).
Most older people require a D supplement.
Then you die of skin cancer.............🙄
thanks for the info
“The vitamin D created by your body from sunlight has been shown to last longer than supplemental.”
Vitamin D is released slowly from the skin into the blood over several days. Oral is digested immediately but is fat-soluable and can be stored and released over weeks.
I’m 79 and been taking Vitamin D for years. I never got Covid and can’t remember the last time I had a cold.
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