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
Yep, agreed! I've been taking it for over 20 years, I don't remember the last time I was sick.
Magnesium Glycinate will also work against the calcium deposition problems of high dose vitamin D3. One of the worlds leading D3 doctors is giving some patients such high dose D3 (40,000 IU daily that he has then take calcium glycinate. This doc (Dr. Coimbra) says that for such high D3 doses Mag Glycinate does what Vitamin K cannot.
https://www.coimbraprotocol.com/the-protocol-1
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perplexity AI>>>
Dr. Cicero Coimbra, known for his high-dose vitamin D3 treatment protocol for autoimmune diseases (the Coimbra Protocol), indeed prescribes very high doses of vitamin D3—sometimes up to 40,000 IU daily or even higher, depending on the patient and condition. His clinical approach involves doses that can range from about 35,000 to 300,000 IU per day under strict medical supervision.
Regarding magnesium glycinate, Dr. Coimbra highlights magnesium as a key cofactor in vitamin D metabolism. Magnesium helps activate vitamin D by supporting enzymatic conversions essential for vitamin D’s biological activity, a role that vitamin K does not fulfill. While vitamin K2 is often recommended alongside vitamin D3 to help guide calcium to bones and prevent vascular calcification, magnesium glycinate specifically aids the biochemical function of vitamin D in the body.
So, Dr. Coimbra’s treatment emphasizes that magnesium — particularly in forms like magnesium glycinate, which is well-absorbed — complements high-dose vitamin D3 therapy by enhancing vitamin D metabolism and function, especially at levels where normal vitamin K benefits might not suffice alone.
In summary:
Dr. Coimbra uses very high doses of D3 (35,000 to 40,000 IU daily and beyond) in autoimmune therapy.
Magnesium glycinate plays a crucial role in activating and metabolizing vitamin D, a function that vitamin K cannot replace.
Vitamin K still supports calcium regulation and cardiovascular health but doesn’t substitute magnesium’s biochemical role.
Such high-dose regimens require careful monitoring of calcium levels and kidney function, low-calcium diets, and ample hydration.
The protocol stresses the necessity of medical supervision for safety and effectiveness.
This is supported by clinical studies and detailed protocols available from Dr. Coimbra’s research and clinical practice.
Related
How does magnesium glycinate prevent D3-induced hypercalcemia differently than vitamin K
What evidence supports Coimbra using 40,000 IU D3 daily for autoimmune patients
Which labs should I monitor if I take high‑dose D3 with magnesium glycinate
Why might magnesium glycinate be preferred over vitamin K in the Coimbra protocol
How quickly do calcium and kidney markers change after starting high D3 plus mag glycinate
K1 increases the effect of blood thinners. K2 does not.
You also need magnesium glycinate with D# & K2.
Not sure but it sounds like a TV ad.
Related: Green Tea And a Vitamin Supplement Could Protect Against Alzheimer’s.....................................
we take 10,000 units of D3 a day ... it’s nearly impossible to OD on D3 as long as the parathyroid gland is functioning properly, because the final step of conversion of D3 into D1, the only active form of vitamin D in the human body, is regulated by parathyroid hormone ...
Tested at Quest Diagnostics.
Doctor ordered it so Medicare would pay.
If you don’t mind paying a small amount, you can order it yourself.
—> Can you keep it at that level by sun exposure?
You live in Yuma, AZ and spend lots of time outside without sunscreen, yes.
If you live in the north half of he USA likely no
- particularly in winter.
Exactly, it’s the blood level that determines things. 80 is the top end, I keep m one at between 65 and 70. My partner was having memory issues and in consultation with her neurologist we put her on a Vitamin D regimen, at one point I had her level checked and she was at 114 and the doctor said lower it. but I saw some positive results from her on that regimen, even though it was high, of an improvement in mental acuity.
Anything below 25 is where problems can start health wise.
“ Will it lower my PSA?”
Saw palmetto for that
There are apps, D Minder is one, that allow you to track your Vitamin D by your location, the angle of the sun, etc.
Older people may not absorb as much. And the darkness of your skin will impact that too.
We have been taking 4,000 iu daily with K2 for years as well as a zillion other supplements and we are super healthy. We also don’t drink soda pop or eat a lot of fast foood.
“we take 10,000 units of D3 a day”
I was taking 10,000 units during the scamdemic. My blood test had me at 75 nanogram/per milliliter. Later on I was at 135 nanogram/per milliliter. This year I have not been as dedicated. I will be getting a blood test soon, but my guess is I am at 70 nanogram/per milliliter.
Thanks for the reminder to get back to taking 10,000 units D3 daily
We have been taking 4,000 iu daily with K2 for years as well as a zillion other supplements and we are super healthy. We also don’t drink soda pop or eat a lot of fast food.
You are very welcome my fellow D3 connoisseur. If you want more on Doctor Coimbra I am sure Grok3 and Perplexity AI will have some more on his protocol and use of magnesium glycinate.
All good, but unless you measure your blood level, you do not know and it is just a wish.
But I’m sure you know that.
University of Limerick?
“There once was a man from Nantucket ...”
I keep mine above 65
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The highest possible level through sun exposure is 60 ng/ml.
Source:
Low Vitamin D Status despite Abundant Sun Exposure
https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article-abstract/92/6/2130/2597445
You should also add magnesium to that. The 3 work together.
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