A Newly Discovered Major Benefit Of Vitamin D

Vitamin D supplements slow biological aging by protecting telomeres– the protective ends of DNA strands– according to research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

This newly discovered benefit is epigenetic, meaning it influences gene expression, and adds to the long list of reasons the Save Institute recommends a daily Vitamin D supplement.

In this article, we'll examine the study’s design and findings, and explore what they reveal about vitamin  D’s effect on aging and bone health.

Study of Vitamin D and Telomere Length

Published in May of 2025, the study was a large, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 25,871 women and men aged 50 years and older.

Participants were randomly assigned to receive vitamin D, fish oil, both supplements, or a placebo for a five‑year period. A subset of 1,054 participants also provided blood samples on three occasions over the course of the study. These samples enabled the researchers to measure the telomere length in that subgroup.

Telomeres are repeated DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes and serve as markers of biological aging. Telomere shortening has been linked to aging and numerous chronic health conditions. Throughout the trial the researchers compared telomere lengths among the various t supplementation groups.

They found that participants who took 2,000 IU of Vitamin D per day experienced less telomere shortening than those in the placebo group. Fish‑oil supplementation alone did not significantly affect telomere shortening.¹

Synopsis

Study participants took a daily Vitamin D supplement, a fish oil supplement, both, or a placebo for five years. Researchers measured the telomere length of 1,054 participants over the course of the study and found that participants who took a Vitamin D supplement had less telomere shortening.

Telomere Length And Biological Age

Telomeres are repeating sequences of DNA that prevent the ends of chromosomes from degrading or fusing with other chromosomes. They play a crucial protective role. Each time a cell divides, its DNA replicates and the telomeres shorten. This shortening is a natural part of aging, but it is associated with an increased risk of age-related diseases.²

When telomeres become critically short, the affected cells cease replicating and are destroyed by the body. Before that point, shortened telomeres can destabilize chromosomes, raising the risk for chronic diseases, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and overall-cause mortality.²

This study shows that Vitamin D supplementation helps preserve telomere length, highlighting this biomarker’s responsiveness to epigenetic influences. Vitamin D isn't the only factor that influences telomere length. Other factors include tissue context and the surrounding environment, such as exposure to stress during development.²

Lifestyle choices that modify epigenetic traits provide powerful leverage over gene expression. The study of epigenetics has overturned the idea that our biological destiny is predetermined by our DNA. The ability to preserve telomere length through healthy behaviors is a prime example of how we can use epigenetics to improve our health and prevent chronic conditions.

Synopsis

Telomeres are repeating sequences at the ends of DNA strands that protect DNA from damage. With each cellular replication, telomeres shorten. Telomere shortening is associated with aging and chronic health conditions, but fortunately, this is an epigenetic trait– one that can be influenced by behavior and environment. Epigenetics allows us to influence our genetic expression to improve our health.

Vitamin D, Telomere Length, And Bone Health

A daily Vitamin D supplement can slow telomere shortening and prevent the onset of age-related conditions. When you prevent chronic health conditions, you protect your bones by preserving your ability to practice a bone-healthy lifestyle.

This new finding significantly expands the bone health benefits of Vitamin D, which is essential for facilitating calcium absorption and maintaining healthy bone remodeling.

Vitamin D also plays roles in many other important body processes, including reducing inflammation, regulating cell growth, and supporting immune and neuromuscular functions.

The Save Institute recommends 2000 IU of Vitamin D3 daily. Daily supplementation keeps your bones strong, your telomeres long, and your body functional!

Synopsis

The Save Institute recommends a daily supplement of 2000 IUs of Vitamin D3 to support bone health and overall well-being.

What This Means To You

We now have a deeper knowledge of how Vitamin D helps to keep you healthy, strong, and youthful. It's a powerful tool for promoting beneficial epigenetic changes.

Savers are already using epigenetics to improve their bone health. The Save Institute's bone-building workout system Densercise combines weight-bearing, resistance, and postural exercises to trigger your body’s epigenetic bone-building response.

This powerful program uses a bone-targeted four-week course to prepare you for a lifetime of stronger bones and effective workouts. But that's not all, the Densercise Epidensity Training Program also provides instructional videos, access to a support group, and an eating guide to help you maximize your results.

Together, supplementation and exercise form a powerful strategy to strengthen your bones and prevent fractures.

References

¹ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002916525002552?via%3Dihub

² https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10941657/