Earlier this year we reported on a remarkable study, The antiaging effect of vitamin D and vitamin D receptor in Drosophila midgut, that provided profound evidence of the antiaging effects of vitamin D.
Another recently published study supports those findings by exploring the link between vitamin D deficiency and accelerated aging. The hypothesis suggests that vitamin D regulates several cellular processes associated with aging, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage.
The study was published in the Journal of Physiology, and it provides stunning evidence that vitamin D may act to control the rate of ageing. This is significant because approximately 35% of adults in the United States have vitamin D deficiency.
Key Takeaways From This Study:
The researchers postulated several mechanisms of action by which a vitamin D deficiency can accelerate aging.
- Regulation of Cellular Processes: Vitamin D influences autophagy, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and inflammation. There is increasing evidence that autophagy plays a key role in maintaining healthy aging
- Impact on DNA: Vitamin D deficiency is linked to DNA damage and epigenetic changes.
- Role in Calcium Signaling: Alterations in calcium (Ca2+) signaling are influenced by vitamin D levels. An alteration in the Ca2+ signaling pathway has also been linked to an acceleration in the process of aging.
- Oxidative Stress: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling is regulated by vitamin D. Oxidative stress, is one of the main drivers of aging
- Increased Disease Risk: Deficiency increases the likelihood of age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cardiovascular diseases. Adequate vitamin D levels slow aging and provide protection against these diseases.
You can read the complete study titled Vitamin D deficiency accelerates aging and age‐related diseases: a novel hypothesis, by clicking on the link.