Serum 25(OH)D levels showed a positive correlation with leukocyte telomere length in women, adults, and individuals with vitamin D deficiency, with an overall standardized β of 0.04 (95% CI = 0.02–0.06).
Key Findings
Results
Serum 25(OH)D levels were positively associated with leukocyte telomere length overall.
Meta-analysis included 21 studies comprising 185,191 participants.
Overall standardized β = 0.04 (95% CI = 0.02–0.06).
Remarkable heterogeneity was observed across studies (I² = 89.1%, P ≤ .001).
A random effects model was used as the effect size metric.
Literature search covered PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Library up to February 2025.
Results
The positive association between serum 25(OH)D and leukocyte telomere length was significant in adults.
Standardized β = 0.04 (95% CI = 0.03–0.06) in adults.
No significant association was found in children.
Subgroup analyses were stratified by age group (adults vs. children).
Results
The positive association between serum 25(OH)D and leukocyte telomere length was significant in women but not in men.
In women, standardized β = 0.05 (95% CI = 0.01–0.08).
No significant association was found in men.
Sex-stratified subgroup analyses were conducted.
Results
The positive association between serum 25(OH)D and leukocyte telomere length was significant in individuals with vitamin D deficiency but not in those with sufficient levels.
In individuals with vitamin D deficiency, standardized β = 0.22 (95% CI = 0.01–0.43).
No significant association was found in participants with serum 25(OH)D levels ≥ 30 ng/mL.
Subgroup analyses were stratified by vitamin D status (deficient vs. sufficient).
Results
The positive association between serum 25(OH)D and leukocyte telomere length was significant only in studies that adjusted for covariates.
In studies with covariate adjustment, standardized β = 0.05 (95% CI = 0.01–0.08).
No significant association was found in studies without covariate adjustments.
Subgroup analyses were stratified by whether studies adjusted for covariates.
Results
The association between serum 25(OH)D and leukocyte telomere length was not influenced by several study-level characteristics.
The relationships were not influenced by the method of telomere length assessment.
Body mass index, smoking status, and sample size did not significantly modify the association.
These factors were examined as potential moderators in subgroup or meta-regression analyses.
Shen J, Wang L, Liu J, Fan Z, Li G. (2026). The association of serum levels of vitamin D with leucocyte telomere length, as a marker of biological aging: A meta-analysis.. Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000044487