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Genetic research

Vitamin D Supplementation Linked to Increased Telomere Length in Prediabetic Women

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research has shown that vitamin D supplementation can have a positive impact on telomere length in women with prediabetes. A recent 18-month prospective trial conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences found that vitamin D3 supplementation significantly increased leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and telomerase activity in Asian Indian women with prediabetes. The study, which was published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society, found that LTL increased by 14.5% from baseline after 78 weeks of vitamin D treatment, and telomerase activity showed progressive enhancement with vitamin D treatment, achieving significance by week 52. These findings suggest that vitamin D supplementation may be a potential therapeutic strategy to delay or prevent the progression of prediabetes to type 2 diabetes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Vitamin D supplementation was associated with a significant increase in leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in women with prediabetes, with a 14.5% increase from baseline after 78 weeks of treatment.
  • Telomerase activity also showed progressive enhancement with vitamin D treatment, achieving significance by week 52 and continuing through week 78.
  • The study found no significant change in LTL or telomerase activity in the placebo group.
  • The study included 121 women with prediabetes, who were randomized into intervention (vitamin D3 supplementation) and placebo groups.
  • The study was conducted over a period of 18 months, with measurements taken at baseline, week 52, and week 78.

Statistics:

  • 14.5% increase in LTL from baseline after 78 weeks of vitamin D treatment
  • 14.1% increase in telomerase activity from baseline after 78 weeks of vitamin D treatment
  • 61 participants were assigned to the intervention group and received vitamin D3 supplementation
  • 60 participants were assigned to the placebo group and received a placebo
  • The study was conducted over a period of 18 months, from baseline to week 78

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase Findings from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Reported (Independent Effects of Vitamin D on Leukocyte Telomere Length and Activity: An RCT in Asian Indian Women With Prediabetes). Health & Medicine Week. September 19, 2025; p 3537.
  • Pandey, S., Bhatt, S. P., & Misra, A. (2025). Independent Effects of Vitamin D on Leukocyte Telomere Length and Activity: An RCT in Asian Indian Women With Prediabetes. Journal of the Endocrine Society, 9(9).

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