Latest news with #VITAL
Gulf Insider
14-06-2025
- Health
- Gulf Insider
Vitamin D May Help Slow Cellular Aging, Study Finds
vitamin D supplementThe Reality Of Vitamin D SupplementationEvery morning, millions of people take a vitamin D supplement, thinking mostly about stronger bones and a healthier immune system. However, quietly, at the cellular level, something else may be happening—something that could change how we think about aging. A long-running study recently found that people who took daily vitamin D supplements for four years had slightly less shortening of their telomeres—a marker linked to cellular aging—than those who didn't. While experts caution that the real-world health benefits remain unclear, the findings could shed light on the protective effects of vitamin D on specific aging-related diseases, the study authors noted. The study, known as the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL), showed that people taking 2,000 IUs of vitamin D lost about 140 fewer base pairs from their telomeres than those taking a placebo—a small but statistically significant difference. Telomeres are regions of DNA at the ends of chromosomes that naturally shorten with age. Shorter telomeres have been linked to health risks like heart disease and Alzheimer's disease. The study findings suggest a promising role for vitamin D in slowing a pathway for biological aging and age-related chronic disease, Dr. JoAnn Manson, the study's coauthor and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, said in an email to The Epoch Times. Although the results are encouraging, Manson says more research is needed. 'Replication of these results in another randomized trial will be important before changing general guidelines for vitamin D intake.' Participants in the study started out with an average of 8,700 base pairs. Independent experts say the difference in loss of base pairs observed in the study is very small and falls within the range of normal fluctuation, meaning it may not translate into measurable real-world benefits. 'This 140-base-pair difference is like saying your hemoglobin went from 13.0 to 13.1,' said Dr. Mary Armanios, a professor of oncology and director of the Telomere Center at Johns Hopkins University. 'It trends in the right direction, but it doesn't carry clinical meaning.' 'It is only at the extremes that telomere length matters in aging,' she added. More broadly, Armanios cautioned against thinking of telomeres as a simple aging clock. While very short telomeres can signal aging-related disease, unusually long ones are not always better and have been linked to higher cancer risk, according to 2023 research from her group published in the New England Journal of Medicine. 'Most people fall in a healthy middle range, and that's exactly where we want to be,' she said. She also noted that the method used to measure telomere length—quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)—can be affected by lab factors like temperature and sample handling. These variables can make small differences unreliable. Among telomere testing methods, qPCR is the least reproducible. While some experts urge caution in interpreting the telomere data, Manson said the new findings align with earlier VITAL results. Those results showed that vitamin D reduced inflammatory markers and lowered the risk of advanced cancers and autoimmune diseases by improving immune function. Previous studies on vitamin D and telomere length have shown mixed results, including some that found no effect—or even a correlation between higher vitamin D levels and shorter telomeres. Guidelines from the National Academy of Medicine recommend 600 IU per day for most adults and 800 IU for those over 70. The Endocrine Society also recommends supplements for older adults, people with prediabetes, and others at higher risk of deficiency. 'Most professional societies do not recommend routine vitamin D screening or supplementation for the general population,' said Manson. However, certain groups—older adults, those with limited sun exposure or absorption issues such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease—may benefit from modest supplementation. Other studies have suggested that vitamin D may promote healthy aging in older people. The DO-HEALTH trial, a large European study in adults age 70 and older, found that daily 2,000 IU of vitamin D led to modest improvements in bone strength and infection rates—but not a reduction in new chronic diseases. Longer-term observational research, like Germany's ESTHER study, linked higher vitamin D levels with lower rates of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. However, as a nonrandomized study, it couldn't rule out confounding lifestyle factors. More large, diverse, and long-term trials are needed to determine who benefits most, at what dose, and for which outcomes. Vitamin D metabolism is tightly regulated by the body, so only small to moderate amounts are needed to support health. A 2,000 IU daily dose is safe, as demonstrated in the five-year VITAL trial, with no increased risk of side effects. Very large doses—over 10,000 IU per day—may lead to elevated calcium levels and potential toxicity, Manson noted. For now, experts agree that this latest analysis does not mean everyone should start taking vitamin D supplements to slow aging. 'Vitamin D has known benefits, like for bone health,' Armanios said, 'but telomere length shouldn't be the main reason to start taking supplements.' However, for those already taking vitamin D for bone, muscle, or immune support, the findings may offer one more reason to continue. Vitamin D is found in fortified foods such as milk, cereal, and orange juice, and in fatty fish like salmon and sardines. Moderate sun exposure also helps the body make its own supply. 'Although it's easier to pop a pill,' said Armanios, 'being active outdoors and eating a healthy diet will do far more to support long-term health.' Marion Nestle, a professor emerita of nutrition and public health at New York University, said the findings are intriguing but still require further confirmation and clarity on their clinical significance. In the meantime, she encouraged people to spend time outdoors when possible, noting that 'sunlight on skin is the best source of vitamin D, far superior to supplements—even if just for a few minutes a day.'
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Harvard study says Vitamin D may actually slow down aging
What if popping a daily vitamin could help keep you younger—at least at the cellular level? A new study from researchers at Harvard-affiliated Mass General Brigham and the Medical College of Georgia says that vitamin D supplements might actually slow down biological aging. Yes, you read that right. The study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, focused on telomeres—tiny protective caps at the ends of your chromosomes. As we age, these tips wear down, which is linked to age-related diseases like heart problems, certain cancers, and more. The shorter the telomeres, the more worn out your cells are. Now, here's where it gets cool: Researchers looked at data from the well-known VITAL study—a long-term clinical trial where participants were randomly given either vitamin D3 (2,000 IU/day), omega-3 fatty acids (1 g/day), or a placebo. The telomere sub-study followed over 1,000 people (women 55+ and men 50+) for up to four years. The results? Those taking vitamin D had significantly less telomere shortening compared to those on placebo. In fact, vitamin D slowed the rate of cellular aging by what would've been the equivalent of nearly three years! That's a pretty big deal when you're trying to keep your cells (and yourself) feeling young. Omega-3s, on the other hand, didn't seem to make much of a difference in this case—at least not for telomere length. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo While more research is always welcome, this study adds to growing evidence that vitamin D does more than just support your bones and immunity. It may also be quietly working behind the scenes to keep your cells younger, longer. 'VITAL is the first large-scale and long-term randomized trial to show that vitamin D supplements protect telomeres and preserve telomere length,' said co-author JoAnn Manson, the principal investigator of VITAL and chief of the Division of Preventive Medicine at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital and the Michael and Lee Bell Professor of Women's Health at Harvard Medical School. 'This is of particular interest because VITAL had also shown benefits of vitamin D in reducing inflammation and lowering risks of selected chronic diseases of aging, such as advanced cancer and autoimmune disease,' said Manson. 'Our findings suggest that targeted vitamin D supplementation may be a promising strategy to counter a biological aging process, although further research is warranted,' said Haidong Zhu, first author of the report and a molecular geneticist at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University. Vitamin D is one of those nutrients that quietly does a ton of important stuff in your body—and most of us don't even realize we're running low on it. Nicknamed the 'sunshine vitamin' because your body makes it when sunlight hits your skin, vitamin D helps your bones stay strong by making sure you absorb enough calcium. Without it, your bones can get weak, brittle, and way more prone to breaking. But that's just the beginning. Vitamin D also supports your immune system—so you're better equipped to fight off colds, flu, and even chronic inflammation. Some studies say it may help improve your mood, too, and there's growing research linking low vitamin D to issues like depression, fatigue, and brain fog. The catch? A lot of us don't get enough sun, especially if we're indoors all day or live in cloudy places. That's where food and supplements come in—fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified milk, or a daily D3 capsule can help fill the gap. Don't ghost your vitamin D. So if you've been slacking on your vitamin D intake (especially if you're not getting much sun), this might be the nudge you needed to start adding it to your daily routine. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Vitamin D supplements and their link with ageing: 5 unbelievable facts
Vitamin D, crucial for bone health and immunity, may also combat aging. A study revealed that vitamin D supplements help maintain telomere length, potentially delaying biological aging by nearly three years. Furthermore, it supports cardiovascular health, improves mood, and aids in weight management, highlighting its multifaceted benefits for overall well-being. Soak in the sunshine every morning. That daily dose of vitamin D can do wonders for your health. Vitamin D, also known as the 'sunshine vitamin', plays a critical role in bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. Recent research also suggests that it may help reverse age! A recent study led by researchers at Mass General Brigham and the Medical College of Georgia found that vitamin D supplements show signs of protection against biological aging. The findings are published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition . What is vitamin D Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient essential for maintaining healthy bones, supporting immune function, and promoting overall well-being. It is produced by the skin when exposed to sunlight and can also be consumed from animal-based foods such as salmon, cod, and egg yolks. Vitamin D and ageing The recent controlled trial revealed that vitamin D supplementation helps to maintain telomeres, the protective caps found at the ends of chromosomes that shorten during aging and are linked to the development of certain diseases. 'VITAL is the first large-scale and long-term randomized trial to show that vitamin D supplements protect telomeres and preserve telomere length. This is of particular interest because VITAL had also shown benefits of vitamin D in reducing inflammation and lowering risks of selected chronic diseases of aging, such as advanced cancer and autoimmune disease,' co-author JoAnn Manson, MD, principal investigator and chief of the Division of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, said in a release. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Easy ways to increase your Vitamin D intake The study followed over 1,000 participants for four years and found that those who took vitamin D3 supplementation daily had slowed the process of telomere shortening. This means it delayed biological aging by nearly three years. The shortening of the telomeres is also linked to increased risk of many age-related diseases. 'Targeted vitamin D supplementation may be a promising strategy to counter a biological aging process, although further research is warranted,' the researchers noted. Vitamin D and immunity Studies have also found that a low level of vitamin D increased the risk of infections and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. A 2020 study found that vitamin D can improve immune health and decrease the susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D and cardiovascular health Vitamin D plays a crucial role in fighting disease. Low levels of vitamin D are linked to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. A systemic analysis and meta-analysis conducted by scientists from institutions across China and the United States in 2024 found that targeted vitamin D supplementation can improve cardiometabolic health. The analysis found that vitamin D supplementation was associated with favorable effects on various cardiometabolic risk factors, including reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1C, and fasting blood insulin. Vitamin D and mood Studies have shown that vitamin D plays a key role in decreasing the risk of depression and also regulating mood. A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis of 7,534 people found that vitamin D supplementation can reduce negative emotions. Researchers noted that patients with major depressive disorder and individuals with vitamin D deficiency are most likely to benefit from supplementation. Vitamin D and weight loss Vitamin D has also shown promise in weight management. A 2018 study looked at the effects of vitamin D supplementation on weight Loss, glycemic indices, and lipid profile in obese and overweight Women. After 6 weeks of supplementation in obese and overweight women aged 20–40 years, the researchers found a reduction in the mean of BMI, weight, and waist circumference. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Want to reverse age? THIS powerful supplement might do the trick
Scientists have discovered that vitamin D supplementation may offer protection against biological aging. A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that vitamin D helps maintain telomeres, which are crucial for protecting chromosomes. The research suggests that vitamin D3 supplements can significantly reduce telomere shortening, potentially preventing the equivalent of nearly three years of aging. Humans are obsessed with freezing time, especially when it comes to aging. Though aging is a natural process, the quest to slow it down, or even reverse it, never ends. For centuries, scientists have been working on slowing down the aging process. Now, new research has found that a certain vitamin could offer protection against biological aging. The nutrient in the spotlight is vitamin D In a groundbreaking study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition , the researchers found that vitamin D supplementation helps maintain telomeres, protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten during aging and are linked to the development of certain diseases. The study is based on the data from a VITAL sub-study co-led by researchers at Mass General Brigham and the Medical College of Georgia. 'VITAL is the first large-scale and long-term randomized trial to show that vitamin D supplements protect telomeres and preserve telomere length. This is of particular interest because VITAL had also shown benefits of vitamin D in reducing inflammation and lowering risks of selected chronic diseases of aging, such as advanced cancer and autoimmune disease,' co-author JoAnn Manson, MD, principal investigator of VITAL and chief of the Division of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system said in a statement What are telomeres A telomere is a region of repetitive DNA sequences at the end of a chromosome. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo These protect the ends of chromosomes from degrading or fusing with other chromosomes. Telomere shortening is a natural part of aging and is associated with an increased risk of various age-related diseases. Previous short-term studies have suggested that vitamin D or omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may help support telomeres, however, the results have been inconsistent. The VITAL was a large, five-year trial that tested vitamin D3 (2,000 IU/day) and omega-3 fatty acid (1 g/day) supplementation in US females aged 55 years and older and males aged 50 years. The sub-study had 1,054 participants, whose telomere length in white blood cells was assessed at baseline in the second and fourth years. You're Not a Victim of Fate: Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati Explains Why They found that people who took vitamin D3 supplements significantly reduced telomere shortening over four years, preventing the equivalent of nearly three years of aging compared with those who didn't. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, however, had no significant effect on telomere length throughout follow-up. 'Our findings suggest that targeted vitamin D supplementation may be a promising strategy to counter a biological aging process, although further research is warranted,' Haidong Zhu, PhD, first author of the report and a molecular geneticist at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, added. Sunlight is the most effective way for the body to produce vitamin D naturally. When the skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sun, it produces vitamin D. Some foods are also rich in vitamin D. These include fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, herring, and trout. Red meat, egg yolks, liver, and cod liver oil are also good sources of the vitamin. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Taking 9p daily supplement shown to ‘counter ageing process' by three years
Shorter telomeres have been linked to ageing, as well as inflammation, which is associated with autoimmune diseases as well as cancer SUNNY SIDE Taking 9p daily supplement shown to 'counter ageing process' by three years A CHEAP and easy-to-find supplement could slow ageing by three years, scientists say Experts already urge Brits to take vitamin D from October to March, when sunlight is too weak for the body to produce enough naturally. Advertisement 1 The common supplement could counter three-years worth of ageing Credit: Getty Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphate levels, essential nutrients for healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. Now, scientists suggest taking the supplement daily for four years could slow ageing by helping preserve protective DNA caps, known as telomeres, which shrink as we get older. Shorter telomeres have been linked to ageing, as well as inflammation, which is associated with autoimmune diseases as well as cancer. But don't rush out to buy supplements just yet. Advertisement The findings need to be confirmed with additional research, the US scientists from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, said. 'Dietary supplements will never be a substitute for healthy diet and healthy lifestyle, and we've made it very clear time and again that the focus should be on the diet and lifestyle rather than on supplementation,' Dr JoAnn Manson, a co-author of the study, said. 'However, targeted supplementation for people who have higher levels of inflammation or a higher risk of chronic diseases clearly related to inflammation, those high-risk groups may benefit from targeted vitamin D supplementation," she told The Washington Post. The study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, analysed data from 900 US adults over 50, who took part in the ongoing VITAL trial. Advertisement Some were given 2,000 IUs of vitamin D3, others 1g of omega-3 fish oil a day, or a placebo, for four years. Scientists then measured the length of telomeres in the blood at the start, and again after two and four years. Top 5 Vitamins for Beautiful Hair Previous studies observed a link between vitamin D and longer telomeres, but couldn't prove the vitamin caused the effect. This latest trial was randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled - the gold standard of clinical research - making the findings more robust. Advertisement Those taking vitamin D3 saw significantly less telomere shrinkage than those who didn't, equivalent to a three-year slowdown in ageing. Meanwhile, government-funded research has found that more than one in 10 adults in the UK are lacking in the sunshine vitamin. How can I boost my vitamin D levels? You can derive a certain amount of vitamin D from your diet, through foods like: Oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel Red meat Liver (avoid liver if you are pregnant) Egg yolks Fortified foods – such as some fat spreads and breakfast cereals It's recommended that children aged one and above and adults take a supplement with 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day during autumn and winter. Advertisement You can get a box of Ultra Vitamin D 2000 IU Extra Strength (96 tablets) from Boots for just 9p a tablet. You'll find similar prices at Holland & Barrett and Morrisons too.
