Most people who are health-conscious enough to take a daily multivitamin are probably also trying to eat well. Most likely they try to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, all-natural whole grains, and lean protein. This alone, combined with a consistent exercise regimen, will definitely keep you looking and feeling younger. But the real secret to anti-aging may be in the daily multivitamin. A recent study has shown that there may be an incredible life-extending effect that results from taking a daily multivitamin.
There is a natural lifespan to normal, healthy cells that is linked to the so-called telomerase shortening mechanism. The telomeres function by ensuring the cell’s chromosomes do not fuse with each other or rearrange during cell replication. This is very important because it basically helps the cells to avoid developing into cancer. Telomeres have been described as the ends of shoelaces, without which the lace would unravel.
Basically, if your telomeres are like the ends of shoelaces, you want them to be as long as possible, so that your laces have much less likelihood of unraveling. Recent research shows that telomere length may very well be a marker of biological aging, and that multivitamins may beneficially affect telomere length. Telomeres are highly susceptible to oxidative stress, and it has been shown that multivitamins help via modulation of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.
According to results published in a recent issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the telomeres of daily multivitamin users may be on average 5.1 percent longer than in non-users. Of course there may be some explanation for longer telomere length due to an overall better diet, but since this is the first study focused primarily on the effect of multivitamins on telomere length, it is still a very good indication of some of the benefits that likely come from multivitamins.
The study also showed that the vitamins that are most likely to directly effect telomere length are vitamins C and E. Although the evidence supporting this claim is still preliminary, there are still promising correlations between these vitamins and telomere length.
If you find yourself wondering why you don’t feel younger, you may be wise to consider taking a daily multivitamin. They will not only ensure that you are getting enough of vitamins C and E, but also vitamins B12 and D, which are often neglected in those who don’t eat enough protein daily or who don’t have enough exposure to the sun. It doesn’t hurt that new studies are showing the anti-aging effects of multivitamins may be even more far-reaching than expected, even reaching the cellular level to prolong life and possibly protect against cancer. If you haven’t tried a daily multivitamin yet, it may be time to consider it. There are many different varieties available, but generally speaking, it is best to choose a multivitamin that is specifically suited for a man or woman. There are also excellent multivitamins for children. Be sure to consult your doctor before adding a multivitamin to your daily diet.
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