Vitamin D Consumption May Have Anti-Aging Benefits

Vitamin D, a key nutrient in milk, could have anti-aging benefits linked to reduced inflammation, according to a new study.

In a genetic study of more than 2,100 female twin pairs ages 19-79, researchers from St. Thomas' Hospital, King's College, London School of Medicine and Center of Human Development and Aging (UK) and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (Newark, NJ, USA) found that higher vitamin D levels were tied to improved genetic measures of lifelong aging and chronic stress.

Using a genetic marker called leukocyte telomere length (LTL), the researchers discovered 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 five years of aging.

Earlier studies has found that shortened LTL is associated with the risk for heart disease and could be an indication of chronic inflammation--a major 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 increasing vitamin D levels is a simple change to affect this important marker.

Studies continue to link vitamin D to a variety of health benefits, securing vitamin D's "super nutrient” status and providing even more reasons to get sufficient amounts of this crucial vitamin. Recent research suggests that beyond its well-established role in bone health, vitamin D also may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.

Milk is a primary source of calcium and vitamin D in the diet of people in the United States. In fact, government reports indicate that more than 70% of the calcium in the nation's food supply comes from milk and milk products. Moreover, milk is one of the few food sources of vitamin D.

The recommended three servings of low fat or fat-free milk provides 900 mg of calcium, 300 IU of vitamin D, and 80 mg of magnesium daily.


Related Links:
St. Thomas' Hospital, King's College
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey