---
title: Vitamin D to Support Healthy Aging
description: Vitamin D receptors found throughout the body support antioxidative status and healthy aging, and research links deficiency to cognitive decline.
image: https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casi/archive/tuesblog_19.jpg
---

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Research & Education

# Vitamin D to Support Healthy Aging

CA Cory Ambrose, ND, MAT Sep 20, 2022

![Vitamin D to Support Healthy Aging](https://www.casi.org/hs-fs/hubfs/casi/archive/tuesblog_19.jpg?width=960)

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin well-known for its supportive role in bone health and immune function. Research indicates that vitamin D can influence every body system. Vitamin D receptors (VDRs) are found in most tissues throughout the human body including the [brain](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32554862/). Vitamin D has been shown to help support many biochemical processes linked to [aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32554862/), including antioxidative status, a healthy inflammatory response, cell signaling, and telomere integrity. It can also help support [autophagy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32554862/) and the health of DNA and mitochondria. Deficiencies in vitamin D status have been linked to certain [age-related illnesses](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32554862/). [Recent research](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32554862/) suggests that vitamin D supplementation may help promote cellular health and healthy aging. 

The body’s ability to process [vitamin D](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32554862/) decreases during aging. When compared to younger adults, elderly individuals have been shown to experience 50% reductions in the skin’s ability to convert vitamin D to its [bioactive form](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32554862/). Several animal studies in VDR knockout mice have reported premature aging, a shorter life span, and the incidence of [age-related illnesses](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32554862/) such as osteoporosis, immune deficiencies, alopecia, and muscle atrophy.  

Many age-related illnesses are associated with changes to the [central nervous system](https://www.dynamed.com/condition/aging-in-adults#GUID-16650794-2616-48BE-ABF0-4230B49945B2) and brain. Vitamin D has been shown in studies to support [neuronal health](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32554862/) through its ability to help attenuate oxidative stress and support a normal inflammatory response. It may also help promote healthy levels of certain [neurotrophins](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32554862/), including the synthesis of the nerve growth factor, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, and neurotrophin 3.  

A 6-year clinical study involving elderly individuals reported an association between lowered vitamin D status and [cognitive decline](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32554862/). [Polymorphisms](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32554862/) in VDRs have been linked to cognitive decline and certain neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. A study involving more than 500 individuals who were 85 years of age reported the presence of [cognitive differences](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32554862/) among participants that correlated with VDR polymorphisms. An [animal study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32554862/) involving Alzheimer’s disease indicated that vitamin D administration helped support neurogenesis and improvements in cognition. Further clinical studies need to be conducted before conclusions can be made.  

Deficiencies in vitamin D are common in [adult populations](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35565821/). Vitamin D can be obtained from sun exposure, supplementation, and [dietary sources](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/) such as fatty fish (including salmon), beef liver, egg yolks, mushrooms, and fortified foods. [Cholecalciferol](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/), also known as vitamin D3, is the most active form of supplemental vitamin D. [Evidence](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/) suggests that supplementation with vitamin D3 can be more effective at raising and maintaining vitamin D levels in the body rather than vitamin D2. 

Research suggests that vitamin D may promote health in many systems of the body. Vitamin D may also support cellular health, neuronal function, and healthy aging.  

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### Cory Ambrose, ND, MAT

Clinical Application

## Clinical Considerations in Practice

 In clinical practice, practitioners considering the topics discussed above may also weigh nutrient form, delivery and formulation, alongside individual patient variability.

### Practitioner Formulation Example

![Hi-Po Emulsi-D3™](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/lemtscrs/production-www/95e16af70bd341a8ff034aa0dd9fcc90dc1e3e75-2000x2000.png?w=128&h=128&fit=max&auto=format)

Hi-Po Emulsi-D3™

Vitamin D3 · Liquid

[Explore Formulations →](https://www.designsforhealth.com/products/hi-po-emulsi-d3)

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