Scientists hail the 'sunshine vitamin' (11/14/2007)

Scientists from King's College London have found that vitamin D may be instrumental in protecting us against certain diseases, as well as helping to slow down the ageing process.

In an extensive study, the results of which will be published today in the November issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers studied 2,160 women who were aged between 18 and 79 years. The scientists looked at the women's telomeres, which are part of our DNA. Telomeres are a biological marker of ageing, and, as people age their telomeres get shorter. In this study, the researchers found that the women with high levels of vitamin D had longer telomeres, which is a sign of being biologically younger and also of being healthier.

As people age, their telomeres get shorter and they also become more susceptible to certain illnesses which are associated with ageing. This study suggests that vitamin D may help to slow down the process of DNA aging, and, as a result, may slow down the whole aging process.

Lead researcher, Dr Brent Richards, from King's College London says:'These results are exciting because they demonstrate for the first time that people who have higher levels of vitamin D may age more slowly than people with lower levels of vitamin D. This could help to explain how vitamin D has a protective effect on many ageing related diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. Further studies are required to confirm these findings.'

Vitamin D has a number of important functions. Other studies, such as a recent paper published in Archives of Internal Medicine, suggest that it plays a key role in protecting against cancer, heart disease and cancer. It is often called the 'sunshine vitamin' because it is made by the action of sunlight on the skin, which accounts for 90 per cent of the body's supply. Lower levels of the vitamin can also be obtained through the diet, from foods such as fish, eggs and fortified milk and breakfast cereals.

Low levels of vitamin D are associated with increased risks of certain illnesses and it is thought that it helps to prevent inflammation. Therefore those with high levels are thought to be at a lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes.

Professor Tim Spector, who is Head of the Twin Research Unit at King's College London, and a co-author on the study, comments:'Although it might sound absurd, it's possible that the same sunshine which may increase our risk of skin cancer may also have a healthy effect on the ageing process in general.'

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by King's College London

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