(Not the actual Sunny D, might I add!)
A new study making the rounds and featuring in the New Scientist has shown Vitamin D having a positive effect on gene GPR158 and biological ageing.
Muhdo Health has actually seen the same correlations with our own DNAm research over the last eight years for a whole variety of nutrients such as Vitamin D and Omega 3.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D, often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin," is a fat-soluble vitamin critical for a wide range of biological processes.
· Longevity Support: Activates key genes FOXO3 and SIRT1 to support longevity pathways.
· Brain Health: Supports Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), promoting brain function and mental health.
· Immunity: Regulates VDR (Vitamin D Receptor) gene activity to enhance immune response.
· Heart Health: Influences inflammatory pathways to support cardiovascular health.
Muhdo Data: Vitamin Users (N = 1,780)
Our proprietary data on users supplementing with Vitamin shows compelling correlations:
· Biological Age: 46.2 years was the average chronological age of Vitamin D3 users, compared to an average biological age of 42.1 years (4.1 years younger) as measured by our Epigenetic clock (MethylPace).
· Subjective Health: 90.7% of users who take Vitamin state subjectively they are in either great or excellent health.
· Sleep: 80% of users who take Vitamin D3 state they sleep for 7-9 hours per night.
The Genetic Link: GPR158 and Ageing
Vitamin D3 affects the expression of the GPR158 gene, a major component in the MethylPace algorithm. The GPR158 gene encodes a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) protein implicated in various physiological processes, including neuronal signalling and stress response.
Emerging research has connected to the regulation of ageing and lifespan, particularly through its role in stress resilience and metabolic pathways:
· Stress Resilience: GPR158 is involved in regulating stress pathways in the brain. Studies suggest that its activity can modulate responses to chronic stress, a known contributor to accelerated ageing and age-related diseases.
· Metabolic Regulation: GPR158 has been linked to energy metabolism and insulin sensitivity, key factors in ageing. Dysregulation can lead to age-related conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration.
· Neurodegeneration and Brain Ageing: GPR158 is enriched in brain regions critical for cognitive functions. Altered expression has been associated with cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases, which are hallmarks of ageing.
· Lifespan Extension: Animal studies have shown that modulating GPR158 activity may influence lifespan, potentially by enhancing resistance to oxidative stress and improving cellular health.
