Vitamin D, the New Focus of the Anti-Aging Industry
Vitamin D is considered one of the essential anti-aging nutrients.
It is widely known for its role in helping the digestion and absorption of calcium and promoting bone formation.
Vitamin D was identified in the 1930s as the key substance behind rickets, a disease that had plagued many.
Rickets, also known as osteomalacia, is a condition in which bones become soft due to a deficiency in calcium or vitamin D.
Some believe that Clara, the girl with a disability from Heidi, Girl of the Alps, might have suffered from rickets.
The story that Clara, born into a wealthy family and raised overprotected in the city, regains her ability to walk naturally after spending time with Heidi in the Alpine wilderness—where she likely received plenty of sunlight and vitamin D—seems quite convincing.
In recent years, however, it has been found that vitamin D has benefits beyond bone formation.
It helps regulate gene activity, promotes insulin secretion, and plays a role in nerve transmission essential for muscle movement.
Research has also shown that people with higher levels of vitamin D have stronger immunity, lower cancer mortality rates, and reduced risk of diabetes.
Thus, vitamin D is emerging as a nutrient with significant anti-aging potential.
As a result, vitamin D has become something of a boom in the supplement industry.
References
- “Chemistry and Biology,” Vol. 59, No. 12, pp. 622–630 (2021), The Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry
- Nikkei Medical, September 28, 2017
- The Japan Endocrine Society, November 11, 2019
- Others
Most Japanese Are Severely Deficient in Vitamin D
The Japanese medical industry’s interest in vitamin D was sparked by the following report:
Based on a study led by Jikei University School of Medicine, the vitamin D blood concentration levels for Japanese people were found to be between 7–30 ng/mL for men and 5–27 ng/mL for women.
Neither group’s average reached the 30 ng/mL standard recommended by the Japan Endocrine Society and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association, revealing that 98% of Japanese people are vitamin D deficient.
At Sirtuin Clinic Osaka, we also conduct blood tests at the request of our clients.
From our results, most people fall within the 20–25 ng/mL range, and very few exceed 30 ng/mL, which supports the findings of the study.
Foods that help supplement vitamin D include seafood, mushrooms, eggs, and dairy products.
While some vitamin D can also be synthesized in the body through exposure to sunlight, supplementation is a valid option to make up for any shortfall.
It is important to note that vitamins are classified into two categories: water-soluble and fat-soluble.
Water-soluble vitamins (such as vitamin B complex and vitamin C) are expelled through urine if consumed in excess, causing little harm.
However, fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, and K) can accumulate in the body if taken excessively, potentially becoming toxic.
Therefore, caution is necessary.
Whether it’s medication or supplements, taking “only what is necessary, in the necessary amounts” is crucial.
If you are considering taking supplements, it is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice beforehand.