New research published in the prestigious American Journal of Clinical Nutrition provides information on the effect of vitamin D on the body’s aging processes. Scientists have discovered that regular supplementation with this vitamin can slow down the biological aging of cells, which may be significant in the context of preventing age-related diseases. 

A research team from the University of Augusta and Mass General Brigham analyzed data from the long-term VITAL study conducted in the United States. The project involved over a thousand women and men over the age of 50 who took 2,000 international units of vitamin D3 and 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids daily for five years. 

The researchers focused on telomeres – the ends of DNA strands that serve a protective function and shorten with age. Their length is considered one of the most important indicators of biological aging. The researchers measured the length of telomeres in the white blood cells of the study participants at the beginning of the project and then after two and four years of supplementation. 

The results of the analysis were clear – those taking vitamin D showed a slower rate of telomere shortening compared to the placebo group. This effect is corresponded with up to three years “younger” biological age. Interestingly, omega-3 fatty acids – despite their known health benefits – had no significant effect on telomere length. 

Telomeres play a key role in maintaining the integrity of genetic material during cell division. Their shortening is a natural process associated with age, but its acceleration can lead to the development of many chronic diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disorders.