Vitamin D linked to slower organic aging, shows Harvard’s new study

Previous research has linked a vitamin common to a slowdown in aging – and now a new Harvard study seems to confirm these results.

The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, revealed that taking a daily vitamin D pill prevented telomeres from shortening, a characteristic of aging.

Telomeres, which are often compared to plastic points at the ends of the laces, act as “protective ends” on the chromosomal strands, according to a press release from Harvard.

Current daily vitamin could slow organic aging suggests a major study

As people age, telomeres become shorter, which can increase the probability of poor health and mortality, have shown previous studies.

Research has also suggested that higher levels of vitamin D in the blood are linked to longer telomeres.

Previous research has linked a vitamin common to a slowdown in aging – and now a new Harvard study seems to confirm these results. (istock)

In this last randomized trial, around 1,000 people aged 50 and over were divided into two groups – a group took 2,000 international units (IU) from vitamin D pills each day, and the other group took placebo pills.

After a period of four years, people taking vitamin D showed less than half of the shortening of the telomeres than the placebo group.

The vitamin D group also had fewer autoimmune diseases and reduction of inflammation markers.

Common vitamin that reduces autoimmune diseases

The author of the main study Joann Manson, professor of medicine at the Harvard Medical School, said that the results “suggest a promising role for vitamin D in the slowdown of a path for organic aging and chronic age -related diseases”.

Fat fish, including salmon, sardines and tuna and wild mushrooms are other sources of vitamin D, said an expert. (istock)

While the researchers were surprised that vitamin D is linked to such substantial protection against the shortening of telomeres, Manson told Fox News Digital, the results are in accordance with previous evidence.

“Vitamin D reduces inflammation, a major cause of shortening telomeres and chronic aging diseases,” she said.

Vitamin D recommendations

The question of what constitutes an “adequate” blood rate of vitamin D is a “controversial subject”, according to Manson.

In the study, the team found that 2,000 IU per day were “very safe”, without side effects or adverse events.

To stay healthy, eat more foods with vitamin D, nutrition advice

“Blood rates for the deficiency and recommended blood rates vary according to organizations, laboratories and countries, which is one of the reasons to doubt the usefulness of the test,” said Manson.

The United States Preventive States Services Task Force and most professional companies in the United States do not recommend the universal screening for blood rates of vitamin D or routine use of vitamin D supplements, the researcher stressed.

“Vitamin D reduces inflammation, a major cause of shortening telomeres and chronic aging diseases.”

“The National Academy of Medicine recommends 600 IU of vitamin D per day for adults up to 70 years and 800 IU over 70 years, declaring that these contributions will meet the requirements of the vast majority of adults in the population,” she said.

“However, recent directives of endocrine society suggest that vitamin D supplements can be useful for adults aged 75 and over, infants and children, pregnant women and those who have a prediabetes diagnosis, but they do not specify a specific dose.”

In the study, the team found that 2,000 IU per day were “very safe”, without side effects or adverse events. (istock)

For anyone who has concerns about obtaining adequate vitamin D of his diet and / or time outside, Manson said that supplementation with 1000 to 2000 IU / Vitamin D day would be “very reasonable”.

“In the United States, foods such as dairy products, cereals and orange juice are often strengthened with vitamin D, so checking nutrition labels can help you make better decisions on food to buy,” she advised.

“Fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines and tuna, and wild mushrooms are other sources.”

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High risk groups of vitamin D deficiency include those who live in nursing houses, people with malabsorption such as Crohn’s disease or celiac, those treated for osteoporosis or other bone health problems, and those with major food restrictions, such as severe lactose intolerance.

“(The inhabitants of these groups) should speak with their doctors after being tested for the blood levels of vitamin D and take a vitamin D supplement,” she recommended.

High risk groups of vitamin D deficiency include those who live in nursing homes, people with malabsorption such as Crohn’s disease or celiac and those treated for osteoporosis or other bone health problems. (istock)

The doctor noted that people only need small to moderate vitamin D for good health, because the metabolism of vitamin is “closely regulated” in the body.

“No longer is necessarily better, and very high doses – like more than 10,000 IU / D – can be associated with high levels of blood or urine and toxicity,” she warned.

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Manson pointed out that taking an supplement does not replace a nutritious diet and a healthy lifestyle.

“Although it is much easier to burst a pill than to be physically active outside and to eat healthy, these lifestyle factors will do more to keep you healthy and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and other chronic aging diseases,” she said.

“No longer is necessarily better.”

Going out for a 15 -minute walk several times a week at noon, will generally allow you an exposure to sunlight so that the skin synthesizes vitamin D, added Manson.

“Even more important for your health would be to exercise outside, such as a fast walk, jogging or sport.”

In the search for future research

“Although the results are exciting, we believe that the replication of these results in a separate randomized trial will be important before modifying the general directives for vitamin D intake,” said Manson.

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The study was partly supported by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the National Cancer Institute and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.