Chasing the Fountain of Youth With Vitamin D Supplements

Highlights:

Our desire for longevity extends beyond vanity, as certain factors can influence how long we live
We have two ages: chronological age and biological age. Biological age is influenced by our body's functioning and can differ from our birth-date
Taking vitamin D supplements may potentially slow down and reverse the aging process

We often seek the fountain of youth, spending significant amounts of money on anti-aging products and treatments. However, our desire for longevity goes beyond vanity. Science suggests that certain factors can influence how long we live.

Vitamin D Deficiency - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
Vitamin D the sunshine vitamin is essential for strong bones. Vitamin D deficiency is reportedly increasing worldwide and cause bone pain and muscle weakness.

‘Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent, affecting over 35% of adults in the United States. Low vitamin D levels have been associated with accelerated aging.’

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The Two Ages: Chronological and Biological

We have two ages: chronological age, determined by our birthdate, and biological age, influenced by our body's functioning. It's possible to be 30 years old chronologically but have a biological age of 24, which lowers the risk of death ().

Link between Statins and Vitamin D
Statins, the cholesterol-lowering medications, and vitamin D appear to complement each other’s effects.

Reverse Aging with the Secret Shot of Vitamin D

Recent research indicates that taking vitamin D supplements may slow down and potentially reverse the aging process by about a year. Let's delve into biological age and the specifics of vitamin D supplementation ().

Dairy Products and Vitamin D Supplements Protect Against Osteoporosis in Older Adults
Older adults who consume dairy products along vitamin D supplements are less likely to suffer from bone loss and osteoporosis, finds a study.

What can Low Vitamin D Levels do to you

People with inadequate vitamin D levels tend to have chromosomes that appear older. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in slowing biological aging by reducing inflammation, preventing oxidative stress, supporting immune function, improving bone strength, and maintaining the length of telomeres, which protect our DNA ().

Vitamin D Deficiency Increases Risk of Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is the ninth most common cancer in the world. Vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of bladder cancer, finds a new study.

Determining the Right Dosage of Vitamin D

Determining the appropriate dosage and frequency of vitamin D supplementation is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Factors such as geographical location, skin color, health conditions, and body weight should be considered.

It's recommended to have your levels tested and work with your doctor to determine the optimal dosage based on your needs, lifestyle, and health conditions. Daily vitamin D doses typically range between 800 and 2000 IUs ().

Which is the Best Form of Vitamin D to Consume

Taking vitamin D supplements with a meal helps with its absorption, although it doesn't need to be consumed with fatty foods. It is advisable to choose a vitamin D supplement that includes fat, such as MCT or fish oil.

While there is no scientific evidence on the best time to take vitamin D, taking it at night may interfere with sleep for some individuals. Consistency is key, so incorporate it into your routine at a time that works best for you.

Not all forms of vitamin D are the same. Opt for vitamin D3, as it is more readily utilized by the body than vitamin D2.

Additionally, taking vitamin D3 in combination with vitamin K2 promotes optimal calcium absorption and bone health. Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption, while vitamin K ensures its incorporation into bones ().

Vitamin D Toxicity

Very high levels of vitamin D in the blood can lead to various symptoms like nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, confusion, pain, loss of appetite, dehydration, excessive urination and thirst, and kidney stones. Individuals with kidney disease or high blood levels of calcium or phosphate should avoid taking vitamin D. Some medications, such as statins and digoxin, may interact with vitamin D and should be considered when determining supplementation ().

In conclusion, understanding our biological age and the role of vitamin D supplementation can help us in our quest for a longer and healthier life. Consult with your doctor to determine the best approach based on your specific needs and circumstances.

References:

The epigenetics of aging: What the body’s hands of time tell us - (https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/epigenetics-aging-what-bodys-hands-time-tell-us)
Rejuvant®, a potential life-extending compound formulation with alpha-ketoglutarate and vitamins, conferred an average 8 year reduction in biological aging, after an average of 7 months of use, in the TruAge DNA methylation test - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34847066/)
The Relationship Between Vitamin D and Telomere/Telomerase: A Comprehensive Review - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33331615/)
Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21796828/)
Dietary fat increases vitamin D-3 absorption - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25441954/)
Vitamin D - Consumer - (https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/)

Source-Medindia