Overview

• The VITAL trial was a four-year, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of over 1,000 U.S. adults aged 50 and older.
• Scientists tracked white blood cell telomere length at the start of the study, at two years, and after four years to monitor cellular aging.
• Daily 2,000 IU vitamin D3 supplementation significantly reduced telomere erosion, while omega-3 fatty acids had no observable effect on chromosome end caps.
• Study co-author Dr. JoAnn Manson highlighted that those with higher inflammation or increased risk of chronic diseases may gain particular benefit from vitamin D3.
• Officials advise most adults to take 10 micrograms of vitamin D per day and warn against exceeding 100 micrograms to prevent hypercalcemia, with dietary sources including oily fish and fortified foods.