Vitamin D Really Slow Down Ageing: Growing old is a natural process of life, yet every person is always seeking ways in which they can decelerate and grow old in a beautiful way. Among a number of foods and nutrients, Vitamin D has gained fame for decelerating the process of growing old—not just externally, but internally inside the cells as well. But is it true? Let’s discover.
Vitamin D, or the “sunshine vitamin,” is a fat-soluble vitamin that your body produces as a reaction to exposure to the sun. It aids in bone maintenance, immune system, and mood regulation. Increasingly, scientists have begun to examine its role in aging and longevity.
Scientific studies have shown that Vitamin D aids in maintaining cellular well-being. It also reduces inflammation, a leading precursor to age-related disease such as heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. Vitamin D further protects telomeres, the protective caps of chromosomes that grow shorter with every year. Shorter telomeres are associated with faster aging and a greater risk of disease.
A 2020 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study showed that subjects with adequate Vitamin D levels were more mentally competent and possessed lower biological markers of aging than their deficient counterparts.
With the progression of age, the likelihood of osteoporosis and muscle wasting rises. Vitamin D allows the intake of calcium and muscle function so mobility and strength can occur, two essential components of healthy aging.
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to weakness, bone pain, depression, and increased susceptibility to infection—all of which contribute to making aging appear more incapacitating and worse. Frequent vitamin D deficiency happens in individuals with minimal sun exposure or dark skin.
Sunlight: 10–30 minutes of sun a few days per week
Food sources: Fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified milk, cereals
Also Read: 7 Methods to Increase Vitamin D Along With Nutrition
Supplements: Following consultation with a health care practitioner
While Vitamin D isn’t an anti-aging panacea, healthy levels can prevent age-related deficiency, support immunity, and promote general well-being. It’s a healthy step toward healthier, more refined aging.