Researchers are continually exploring anti-aging solutions. A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN) suggests vitamin D3 may slow down the aging process.
The study focused on telomeres, protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with age and contribute to age-related diseases. Scientists are looking for ways to slow this telomere shortening.
Over 1,000 participants aged 50+ received either 2000 IU of vitamin D3 daily or a placebo. Researchers measured telomere length in leukocytes at the start of the study and again after two and four years to assess biological age.
The results indicated that vitamin D3 intake significantly slowed telomere shortening, equivalent to preventing nearly three years of aging compared to the placebo group. Omega-3 fatty acids did not show a significant effect on telomere length.