The 5p pill anti-ageing experts swear by – and you can get it from your local pharmacy today
THERE is no magic anti-ageing treatment or hack that all experts agree on, at least not just yet.
Some tout the benefits of expensive diets and lots of sleep, while biohackers whip out thousands on young-plasma injections.
But if there’s one anti-ageing hack almost everyone who’s interested in longevity can agree on, vitamin D pills might be it.
Immune expert Doctor Anthony Fauci, the anti-ageing scientist João Pedro de Magalhães, and billionaire longevity investor Christian Angermayer all told Insider they taking the vitamin supplement in various dosages throughout the year.
Vitamin D works by helping the gut absorb calcium from food and drink, which keeps our bones healthy and strong.
When we don’t absorb enough calcium from our diet, our body rips calcium stored in our bones to meet its needs.
Studies have consistently indicated that older adults who take vitamin D supplements significantly reduce their risk of broken bones.
The 3p pill can also help prevent muscle cramps and spasms, reduce inflammation, and improve immune function.
Vitamin D is thought to fend off respiratory infections by boosting antibiotic-like substances in the lungs.
Studies show around one in five adults are thought to be lacking in the “sunshine vitamin”.
You can purchase a tub of 90 10mg Vitamin D tablets for £2.75 at Boots.
How much vitamin D should you take?
UK Government advises everyone should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter, from early October to March.
During spring and summer, most people should be able to make all the vitamin D they need from sunlight – about 15 to 20 minutes of sun exposure should be enough.
The body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors.
The Department of Health and Social Care recommends that adults and children over four take a daily supplement containing 10mg (micrograms) of vitamin D throughout the year if they:
- are not often outdoors – for example, if they’re frail or housebound
- are in an institution like a care home
- usually wear clothes that cover up most of their skin when outdoors
Vitamin D is also found in a small number of foods.
Sources include:
- oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel
- red meat
- liver
- egg yolks
- fortified foods – such as some fat spreads and breakfast cereals
How much do the experts take?
The biohacker Bryan Johnson (known for injecting himself with his son’s blood) takes 50mg of vitamin D each morning, his website says.
João takes 100mg every three days, while Dr Anthony hasn’t specified.
The NHS does not recommend taking more that 10mg per day, as it can cause too much calcium to build up in the body, otherwise known as hypercalcaemia.
This can weaken the bones and damage the kidneys and the heart.