The Most Important Methods Longevity and graceful aging are aided by vitamin D.

If there's one thing we've learned about the sunshine vitamin over the years (and we'd argue we have), it's that enough vitamin D levels are essential for overall wellness throughout life. Yes, this critical vitamin is important for bone health, muscle strength, immunological function, gut health, and more—but today, we're discussing D's importance for cellular health and longevity.

How vitamin D promotes healthy aging and longevity.

Longevity is a prominent topic these days, and we can't disregard genetic health and stability if we want to live a long, healthy, and happy life.

You know, our genes and the material that makes them up: DNA.

After all, DNA is the foundation of life and overall wellness! Let's talk about where D comes into play.

1. Antioxidant activity.

Make room for another necessary vitamin that also happens to be a powerful antioxidant. Though many people focus on vitamin D's more isolated benefits (such as musculoskeletal integrity, immunological function, and skin health), one that should not be overlooked is longevity.

Vitamin D deficiency (i.e., establishing and maintaining healthy D levels in the body) helps to promote elegant aging by regulating antioxidant activity, balancing mitochondrial function, combating oxidative stress, and, ultimately, protecting that priceless DNA.

Vitamin D supplementation increases total antioxidant capacity and serum levels of master antioxidant glutathione, according to a 2019 meta-analysis published in Pharmacological Research, both of which are extremely beneficial for promoting oxidative balance (i.e., antioxidants beating out oxidants) throughout the body. By battling reactive oxygen species, vitamin D signaling pathways protect proteins, fatty acids, and DNA (more on that later) (ROS).

Unfortunately, our country's vitamin D deficiency has a significant impact on your body's ability to completely utilize these antioxidant properties. Given that 41% of adults in the United States are vitamin D deficient, and 29% have a full-blown vitamin D deficiency, it's clear that getting adequate vitamin D on a daily basis is critical to your body's antioxidant network and ability to battle free radicals.

2. DNA protection.

While antioxidant activity is an important (and valid) aspect of good aging, maintaining cellular integrity and protecting our genes is also an important component of the equation. Measuring telomeres is an accurate technique to look at the pace of cellular aging and overall longevity.

Telomeres are protein sequences that serve to "cap" the ends of DNA strands. They shield our DNA from free radicals, contemporary toxins, and other stressors that could compromise our genomic integrity. Longer telomeres increase longevity by protecting DNA and buffering oxidative damage.

In other words, telomere length (again, the longer the better) is a credible biomarker for longevity, and vitamin D helps to preserve telomere length and strength while also protecting cellular DNA and the ability of cells to multiply.

Indeed, a 2017 study published in the Archives of Medical Science discovered a link between vitamin D deficiency and telomere length, implying that consuming enough vitamin D is critical for maintaining genomic integrity and consequently lifespan potential.

The bottom line

With so many health benefits bolstered by a high vitamin D status, it's apparent that reaching (and maintaining!) vitamin D sufficiency is critical for whole-body health throughout life. What's the issue? It's just impossible to get enough high-quality vitamin D from only diet and sunlight. Vitamin D supplementation is the answer.

mbg's vitamin D3 potency+ contains 5,000 IU of organic vitamin D3 extracted from vegan algal oil, as well as a trio of organic oils (avocado, flax, and olive, to be specific) to boost bioavailability and absorption. (Not to mention all in one gelcap.)

This high-potency vitamin D solution can assist you in achieving and maintaining enough vitamin D levels for DNA protection, antioxidant activity, and longevity! Consult your doctor about the numerous health benefits of taking a vitamin D3 supplement.