Vitamin D as predictor of telomere length in the transition from child to adolescent

Introduction Telomerelength is seen as marker for healthy ageing, as accelerated shortening is involved in the development of age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease. VitaminD might influence telomerelength due to anti-inflammatory activities, because inflammation could decrease telomerelength. Evidence supporting this theory is mainly from studies in adults, whether vitaminD in children is a predictor of telomerelength is unknown. Therefore, this study investigated the role of vitaminD on telomerelength in the transition from childhood to (early) adolescence. Methods Healthy Belgian children ( n = 142) were followed-up between 2010–2015 (aged 4.7–10.7 years old at baseline, 50.4% boys). Serum vitaminD (25-hydroxy vitaminD) concentrations were measured at baseline and in 2015 using standardized protocols. Average relative telomerelengths were measured in blood samples using a quantitative real-time PCR method. Cross-sectional and longitudinal age and sex adjusted mixed linear regression models addressed the association between vitaminD and telomerelength. Results Telomerelength was shorter with increasing age ( P = 0.01). VitaminD was not associated with telomerelength in cross-sectional analysis combining both sexes, but in boys higher vitaminD was related to longer telomeres. An interquartile increase in vitaminD (9.4 ng/mL) was associated with a 2.5% (95% confidence interval: 0.1 to 4.9%; P = 0.04) increase in telomerelength. Longitudinal analysis showed similar results for boys ( P = 0.02). Conclusion This study over a 5-year period suggests that higher vitaminD concentrations are associated with longer telomerelength in boys. These findings highlight the potential beneficial effects of vitaminD on ageing, especially since vitaminD concentrations might be easily adjustable through nutritional supplements.