Make room, vitamin C—there’s yet another important vitamin that shares the title of potent antioxidant. Although many concentrate on vitamin D’s extra siloed advantages (e.g., musculoskeletal integrity, immune operate, pores and skin well being), longevity is one which should not be ignored.*
Vitamin D sufficiency (i.e., reaching and sustaining wholesome D ranges within the physique) promotes graceful aging by serving to to manage antioxidant exercise, steadiness mitochondrial operate, combat oxidative stress, and finally, defend that valuable DNA.*
A 2019 Pharmacological Analysis meta-analysis discovered that vitamin D supplementation helps increase total antioxidant capacity and serum ranges of master antioxidant glutathione, each of that are vastly helpful for selling oxidative steadiness (i.e., antioxidants beating out oxidants) all through the physique.* Vitamin D signaling pathways protect proteins, fatty acids, and DNA (extra on that later) from oxidation by combating reactive oxygen species (ROS).*
Sadly, our nation’s vitamin D standing drawback massively impacts whether or not or not your physique is ready to totally make the most of these antioxidant actions. Contemplating 41% of U.S. adults are insufficient in vitamin D and 29% take care of frank vitamin D deficiency, it is apparent that being intentional about getting enough vitamin D on the day by day performs a giant half in your physique’s antioxidant community and skill to battle free radicals.*