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vitamin D Supplements may help protect the caps that slow down on our chromosomes AgeingSparking hope that sunshine vitamins could keep us healthy longer, a recent study Gives suggestions.
Researchers found that taking 2,000 IU (International Units, a standard measurement) vitamins) Of vitamin D daily helps maintain telomeres – tiny structures that act like plastic caps on shoelaces, protecting us dna From Loss every time cells split.
telomere Each of our 46 chromosomes sit at the end of each one, getting shorter every time a cell copies itself. When they become very young, cells Can no longer divide and eventually die.
Scientists link short telomeres to some of our most dangerous diseases AgeingInvolved cancer, heart disease And osteoarthritis,
smokinglong term Tension And Depression All appear to accelerate telomere shortening inflammatory processes They also affect the body.
beyond strong bones
It is well known that vitamin D is essential for bone healthHelps our body absorb calcium. Children, teens, and people with darker skin or limited exposure to sunlight especially need adequate levels. Building and Maintaining Strong Bones,
But Vitamin D also gives us strength immune systemA review of the evidence found that vitamin D supplements may reduce respiratory infections, especially in people who are vitamin D deficient,
Quick Research It’s even been suggested that it may help prevent autoimmune diseases rheumatoid arthritis, A type of tree And multiple sclerosisHowever more trials are needed.
About the author
Dervla Kelly is Associate Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Limerick.
This article was originally published by Conversation And it is republished under a Creative Commons license. read the Original article.
since Inflammation damages telomeresThe anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D may explain its protective role.
In this recent study from Augusta University in the US, researchers tracked 1,031 people with an average age of 65 for five years, measuring their telomeres at the beginning, two years later and four years later. Half of the people took 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily, while the other half got a placebo.
The results showed that telomeres were protected by 140 base pairs in the vitamin D group compared to placebo. To put this in context, previous research found that telomeres naturally shorten by about 460 base pairs over a decade, suggesting that the protective effect of vitamin D may indeed be meaningful.
This is not the first promising discovery. previous study While similar benefits have been reported Mediterranean diet – rich in anti inflammatory nutrients -It has also been linked to longer telomeres.
Hunt
But there are some important points to note. Some researchers warn that extremely long telomeres can actually increase risk of diseaseSuggesting that there is a sweet spot that we don’t yet understand.
There is also no consensus on the correct dosage. The Augusta researchers used 2,000 IU daily — much higher than the current recommended intake. 600 iu 800 IU for those under 70 and 800 IU for older adults. Yet other research suggests 400 iu Can help prevent cold.
experts say optimal dose Possibly 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 too early to start taking high doses of vitamin D in the hopes of slowing down the pace of 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 are deficient in vitamin D or at risk for poor bone health, a supplement backed by decades of research is a sensible option. As scientists continue to unravel 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.