Vitamin D3 is Anti-Aging
Telomeres are the protective caps on chromosomes that shorten with age. Shortened telomeres are associated with increased risks of chronic diseases. Scientists were interested in the impact of Vitamin D3 and Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on telomere length.
The study tracked U.S. females aged 55 years and older and males aged 50 years and older for four years, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of vitamin D3 (2,000 IU/day) and omega 3 fatty acid (1 g/day) supplementation.
Takeaways
Researchers discovered:
Anti-Aging and Cellular Protection Effects of Vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 supplementation slowed telomere shortening over 4 years. Participants retained the equivalent of 3 extra years of telomere health.
No Effect from Omega-3s: Omega-3 supplementation did not significantly impact telomere length.
Source
Haidong Zhu, PhD, et al., Vitamin D3 and Marine Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation and Leukocyte Telomere Length: 4-Year Findings from the VITAL Randomized Controlled Trial - ScienceDirect, May 21, 2025.