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.
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
301 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
Items in both categories Genetics and Mortality are listed here:
- Vitamin D appears to keep telomeres long (longer life) – Jan 2021
- Live longer if have more than 40 ng of Vitamin D (gene analysis of 10,500 people) – Jan 2019
- Telomeres in boys were 2.5% longer if 9 ng higher vitamin D – July 2018
- 5.8 X more likely to die in 15 year followup if low vitamin D and poor methylation – July 2018
- Increased mortality associated with low vitamin D genes – Nov 2014
Telomeres in boys were 2.5% longer if 9 ng higher vitamin D – July 20182034 visitors, last modified 18 Dec, 2020,