Living 3 years longer 'is possible' with 1p pill BBC's Dr Oscar says

BBC Morning Live's Dr Oscar Duke made an appearance on the show today (June 4) to dissect claims about a 9p pill that could grant you extra years. Joined by presenters Rav Wilding and Michelle Ackerley, he delved into the virtues of vitamin D supplements, which can cost 9p per pill or even 1p at pharmacies like Boots.

While unravelling the day's health news, Rav and Michelle read out a recent headline: "Taking 9p daily supplements shown to counter the ageing process by three years." They asked the medical expert: "[Is this] too good to be true?"

Dr Oscar's replied: "Well this is all about vitamin D. So vitamin D is, of all the supplements, is the one that we do recommend, particularly in the winter and autumn months. We get very little vitamin D from our diets. It comes mainly from the sunshine and we don't always have a lot of that particularly coming into contact with our skin."

He continued, reports Bristol Live, shedding light on the study in question: "So, recommending that generally, but could it have additional benefits? So this study is looking at the effects of vitamin D on ageing, and they're looking at the chromosomes and how it affects our chromosomes."

A doctor has likened the protective ends of our chromosomes, known as telomeres, to the lids on double-ended felt-tip pens from primary schools, emphasising their importance in maintaining order within our cells. He said: "They're like the caps on the end.

"They stop that chromosome from going off and binding with another chromosome and forming things that might cause problems, cancers, or bad effects of ageing. And so those telomeres are really important."

He added: "They can shorten down, and that causes those ageing effects. When they took the vitamin D, they saw less shortening, less shrinkage of the protective caps of your chromosomes. So maybe the vitamin D is helpful."

However, he cautioned: "Of course, we need to have more studies to prove this a little bit further. But they modelled it and they thought that potentially, after four years, they'd reduced their ageing by about three years of what they would normally expect, the shortening on the telomere caps."

Vitamin D, particularly D3 (cholecalciferol), could be the secret to a longer life. Studies have found that a deficiency in vitamin D is linked to increased mortality rates from various causes, while having an abundance appears to reduce these rates.

Vitamin D acts as a natural antioxidant and may aid in DNA repair, potentially extending your lifespan. Research suggests that taking vitamin D supplements could decrease overall mortality by approximately 7%. There's some evidence that vitamin D is associated with reduced death rates from cancer and respiratory diseases.

Vitamin D might help maintain protein balance and promote longevity through certain stress response genes like SKN-1, IRE-1, and XBP-1.

While both D2 and D3 are forms of vitamin D, some research indicates that D3 might be more effective in reducing mortality. It's typically recommended to maintain serum 25(OH)D levels above 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) to reap the maximum health benefits from vitamin D.

Studies on killifish have shown that vitamin D treatment can extend lifespan in both males and females. Although vitamin D is generally safe, excessive intake can lead to hypercalcemia, which can cause various health issues.

Vitamin D is essential for absorbing calcium and phosphate from our diet, which are vital for robust bones and teeth. Having sufficient vitamin D helps prevent bone thinning and brittle bones, reducing the risk of fractures.

Vitamin D is also crucial for muscle contraction and function, helping to maintain strength and ward off weakness. It bolsters the immune system by regulating cell growth and function, which could help fend off infections and some chronic diseases. Research suggests that vitamin D might reduce the risk of respiratory infections, such as colds and flu.

Vitamin D may influence mood and help ease symptoms of depression. Some studies indicate that vitamin D could lower the risk of certain cancers. It might also help regulate blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart disease. Vitamin D could be involved in managing insulin levels and aiding weight loss.

Vitamin D might also contribute to brain health and cognitive function, according to Healthline. Finally, some research suggests that vitamin D may help prevent hair loss. A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain caused by a condition called osteomalacia in adults.

Despite the many benefits of vitamin D, it's important to consult a doctor before starting any supplements to determine the correct dosage and ensure their safety.

The NHS has issued a statement on vitamin D, noting: "From about late March or early April to the end of September, most people should be able to make all the vitamin D they need from sunlight. The body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors. But between October and early March we do not make enough vitamin D from sunlight. Vitamin D is also found in a small number of foods."

It goes on to say: "Another source of vitamin D is dietary supplements. In the UK, cows' milk is generally not a good source of vitamin D because it is not fortified, as it is in some other countries."