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Vitamin D in physiological and pathological aging: Lesson from centenarians
Evelyn Ferri1, Martina Casati1, Matteo Cesari1,2
1Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
|October 27, 2019
Summary
Severe vitamin D deficiency is common in centenarians, suggesting adaptive strategies for longevity. This highlights potential benefits of managing vitamin D levels to slow aging-related decline.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Vitamin D is a crucial secosteroid hormone with widespread effects on tissues and systems.
- Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in older adults, potentially impacting age-related diseases.
- Centenarians represent an exceptional model for studying human longevity and its determinants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of vitamin D status in extreme longevity.
- To explore adaptive mechanisms in centenarians with severe vitamin D deficiency.
- To assess the implications of vitamin D metabolism for aging and longevity.
Main Methods:
- Observational study of centenarian populations.
- Analysis of vitamin D levels and health status in centenarians.
- Comparative analysis with younger aging populations.
Main Results:
- Centenarians consistently exhibit severe vitamin D deficiency.
- Despite deficiency, centenarians achieve extreme longevity, indicating compensatory strategies.
- Vitamin D deficiency does not inherently prevent reaching advanced age.
Conclusions:
- Severe vitamin D deficiency is compatible with extreme longevity.
- Strategies to mitigate age-related vitamin D metabolism decline may be beneficial for healthy aging.
- Further research is needed to confirm the impact of vitamin D supplementation on longevity.
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