Vitamin D Offers Anti-Aging Benefits

A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that Vitamin D, a key nutrient present in milk, could have aging benefits linked to reduced inflammation.

In a genetic study of more than 2,100 female twin pairs ages 19-79, British and American researchers found that higher vitamin D levels were linked to improved genetic measures of lifelong aging and chronic stress. Using a genetic marker called leukocyte telomere length (LTL), they found those with the highest vitamin D levels had longer LTL, indicating lower levels of inflammation and body stress. The telomere difference between those with the highest and lowest vitamin D levels was equivalent to 5 years of aging.

Previous research has found that shortened LTL is linked to risk for heart disease and could be an indication of chronic inflammation – a key determinant in the biology of aging. While there are several lifestyle factors that affect telomere length (obesity, smoking and lack of physical activity), the researchers noted that boosting vitamin D levels is a simple change to affect this important marker.

Milk is your best source of Vitamin D, with the added bonus of being a good source of calcium and magnesium, both of which are important to maintain bone health, particularly in aging women. If you can’t or don’t want to take milk, there are dietary supplements available in the market, but best ask your doctor for recommendations regarding form and dosage.