As we get older, our health is influenced by many factors, one of which is vitamin D. Vitamin D regulates processes that control aging, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, and epigenetic changes. In the case of vitamin D deficiency, the activity of these aging processes is enhanced, leading to accelerated aging.

DNA methylation age is measured by the degree of DNA methylation in blood cells and indicates an individual's biological age. Biological age is different from chronological age and can be affected by factors like diet, stress, and environment, reflecting an individual's aging status. When the DNA methylation age is higher than the chronological age, it indicates that the individual is aging more quickly, a condition known as DNA methylation age acceleration.

A study involving 1,036 participants showed that there is an association between vitamin D supplementation and DNA methylation age acceleration, especially in elderly individuals with vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D–deficient participants who received vitamin D supplementation had DNA methylation age that was 2.6 years lower than those who did not receive supplementation. Additionally, there was no significant difference in DNA methylation age between the treated participants and healthy control group, indicating that adequate vitamin D supplementation can slow down the aging process.

Vitamin D is a powerful gene regulator. By modulating the DNA methylation patterns of individuals, vitamin D can help delay aging, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and lead to a healthier and longer life.

Reference:

1. Vetter, V. M., Sommerer, Y., Kalies, C. H., Spira, D., Bertram, L., & Demuth, I. (2022). Vitamin D supplementation is associated with slower epigenetic aging. Geroscience, 44(3), 1847-1859.

2. Berridge, M. J. (2017). Vitamin D deficiency accelerates ageing and age‐related diseases: a novel hypothesis. The Journal of physiology, 595(22), 6825-6836.