Previous research has linked a common vitamin to a slowdown in aging—and now a new Harvard study appears to confirm those findings.
The study, which was published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that taking a daily vitamin D pill prevented telomeres from shortening—a hallmark of aging.
What Are Telomeres?
Telomeres, which are often compared to the plastic tips on the ends of shoelaces, act as “protective ends” on chromosome strands, according to a Harvard press release
| Telomere Fact | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Protect chromosomes from damage | Longer telomeres are linked to better health |
| Shorten with age | Shorter telomeres increase the risk of poor health and mortality |
| Can be influenced by lifestyle and nutrition | Higher vitamin D levels are linked to longer telomeres |
As people age, telomeres get shorter, which can increase the likelihood of poor health and mortality, prior studies have shown. Research has also suggested that higher levels of vitamin D in the blood are linked to longer telomeres.
The Harvard Study: What the Research Found
Study Design
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Participants | Approximately 1,000 people aged 50 and older |
| Groups | Divided into two groups |
| Group 1 | Took 2,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily |
| Group 2 | Took a placebo |
| Duration | 4 years |
