Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that controls the expression of over 900 genes in your body.
Recent studies have linked vitamin D deficiency, which is found in an estimated 1 billion people worldwide, to a large number of chronic diseases, and vitamin D deficiency is also suspected to decrease a person’s lifespan.
Aging and obesity reduce your ability to use vitamin D. However, a major contributor to this growing epidemic is the use of sunscreen and a lack of sun exposure, as UV rays are the biggest source of vitamin D.
Although we can’t blame anyone for wanting to avoid the sun to prevent skin cancer and wrinkles, vitamin D deficiency is a serious issue.
As advocates of a holistic approach toward antiaging, we at Dontage Premier Aesthetic Anti-Aging Specialists want to give you a rundown of the latest research on vitamin D and inform you about how deficiencies can lead to premature aging.
Increased risk for developing metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease accelerate aging.
Research shows that a large percentage of people who develop metabolic syndrome and diabetes have a vitamin D deficiency. This may be the case because many metabolic syndrome sufferers have a higher percentage of body fat and, as a result, they have a higher daily requirement of vitamin D.
Shorter telomeres
Telomeres are the tips of your chromosomes, and they shield against DNA damage. Your telomeres shorten as you age, so telomere length is often used as a marker of biological aging.
One study conducted on over 2,000 women found that low levels of vitamin D were associated with shorter telomeres, whereas ideal levels of vitamin D (30-50 ng/mL) were associated with longer telomeres.
Vitamin D also contains enzymes that fight inflammation and prevent DNA damage.
Accelerated skin aging
How vitamin D deficiency leads to accelerated skin aging isn’t fully understood. However, some experts suspect it has something to do with vitamin D’s protective and antioxidant properties on the skin.
A study found that when a vitamin D deficiency occurs, skin burns faster when exposed to the sun. Sun exposure is one of the biggest external contributors to fine lines and pigmentation, so having enough vitamin D in your body may help prevent premature signs of aging on your skin.
Finding the sweet spot
You may think that the next logical step is to increase your vitamin D levels as soon as possible. However, research shows that only those who are deficient should supplement with vitamin D.
You should contact a medical professional to get tested before supplementing. A study done on rats found that both too little and too much vitamin D can lead to premature aging.
Contact us to schedule an appointment in Falls Church, Virginia, and get tested for a vitamin D deficiency. This way, we can create a personalized attack plan against premature aging for you.