Vitamin D as predictor of telomere length in the transition from child to adolescent

Revue d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Volume 66, Supplement 5, July 2018, Page S237
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respe.2018.05.015

Introduction
Telomere length is seen as marker for healthy ageing, as accelerated shortening is involved in the development of age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease. Vitamin D might influence telomere length due to anti-inflammatory activities, because inflammation could decrease telomere length. Evidence supporting this theory is mainly from studies in adults, whether vitamin D in children is a predictor of telomere length is unknown. Therefore, this study investigated the role of vitamin D on telomere length in the transition from childhood to (early) adolescence.

Methods
Healthy Belgian children (n = 142) were followed-up between 2010–2015 (aged 4.7–10.7 years old at baseline, 50.4% boys). Serum vitamin D (25-hydroxy vitamin D) concentrations were measured at baseline and in 2015 using standardized protocols. Average relative telomere lengths were measured in blood samples using a quantitative real-time PCR method. Cross-sectional and longitudinal age and sex adjusted mixed linear regression models addressed the association between vitamin D and telomere length.

Conclusion
This study over a 5-year period suggests that higher vitamin D concentrations are associated with longer telomere length in boys. These findings highlight the potential beneficial effects of vitamin D on ageing, especially since vitamin D concentrations might be easily adjustable through nutritional supplements.

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See also VitaminDWiki

• Telomeres (which extend life) appear to be extended by Vitamin D - March 2015
• Telomere 254 items in VitaminDWiki as of July 2018
• Genetics category listing has 234 items along with related searches
• Telomeres improved when obese blacks took 2000 IU of vitamin D daily – Oct 2011
• Vitamin D extends lifespan about 60 percent (for worms in a lab) – Oct 2016
• 60 percent chance of longer white blood cell (leukocyte) telomere if have lots of vitamin D – May 2013