Vitamin D supplements may help protect the caps of chromosomes, which slows aging, raising hope that the sunshine vitamin can keep us healthy for longer. Recent research I suggest.
Researchers found that consuming 2,000 IU (international units, the standard measurement for the vitamin) of vitamin D daily helps maintain telomeres. Telomeres are tiny structures that act like the plastic caps on shoelaces, protecting DNA from damage each time a cell divides.
telomeres Located at the end of each of the 46 chromosomes, they become shorter each time the cell replicates itself. If a cell becomes too short, it can no longer divide and eventually dies.
Scientists have linked shorter telomeres to some of the most feared diseases of aging, including: cancerHeart disease and osteoarthritis.
smokingchronic stress Depression appears to both accelerate telomere shortening. inflammatory process The body also takes damage.
Beyond strong bones
It is well known that vitamin D is essential. bone healthHelps our body absorb calcium. Children, teenagers, people with darker skin tones or those with limited sun exposure especially need adequate levels of skin care. build and maintain strong bones.
But vitamin D also helps our immune system. A review of the evidence found that vitamin D supplements may reduce respiratory infections, especially in people with vitamin D deficiency.
Early research suggests it may even help prevent autoimmune diseases, including: rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and multiple sclerosisBut more attempts are needed.
About the author
Dervla Kelly is Associate Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Limerick.
This article was originally published by The Conversation and is republished under a Creative Commons license. read Original article.
from Inflammation Damages TelomeresThe anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D may explain its protective role.
In this latest study, researchers from Augusta University in the US followed 1,031 people with an average age of 65 years for five years, measuring their telomeres at the beginning, two years later, and four years later. Half took 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily, while the other half took a placebo.
As a result, telomeres were found to be preserved by 140 base pairs in the vitamin D group compared to the placebo group. To put this into context, Previous research They found that telomeres naturally shorten by about 460 base pairs over a decade, suggesting that vitamin D’s protective effects may actually be meaningful.
This is not a promising first discovery. Previous research While similar benefits were reported, mediterranean diet – abundant anti-inflammatory nutrients – It is also associated with longer telomeres.
catch
However, there are some important things to note: Some researchers warn: extremely long telomeres may actually increase disease riskIt suggests that there is a sweet spot that we do not yet understand.
There is also no consensus on the correct dosage. The Augusta researchers used 2,000 IU daily, which is much higher than the currently recommended intake. 600IU For those under 70 years of age, 800 IU for seniors. However, in other studies, only 400IU It can help prevent colds.
Experts say: optimal dosage It 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 is still too early to start taking high doses of vitamin D to slow aging. The strongest evidence for healthy aging points to the basics: a balanced diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, not smoking, and stress management, all of which naturally support telomere health.
However, if you are deficient in vitamin D or at risk for poor bone health, supplements are still a reasonable choice based on decades of research. As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of aging, vitamin D’s role in keeping cellular clocks ticking may prove to be just one piece of a much larger puzzle.
