Overview
- The VITAL trial sub-study, involving 1,054 adults aged 50 and older, found that daily vitamin D3 supplementation slowed telomere shortening over four years.
- Participants taking 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily experienced a reduction in telomere attrition equivalent to nearly three years of delayed biological aging compared to a placebo group.
- Telomeres are protective DNA caps that shorten with age, and their attrition is linked to diseases like cancer, heart disease, and dementia.
- Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation showed no significant effect on telomere length, highlighting vitamin D3's specific role in telomere preservation.
- Researchers recommend further studies to confirm long-term clinical benefits and refine supplementation guidelines, emphasizing targeted rather than universal use.