Work

Association between vitamin intake and biological aging: evidence from NHANES 2007–2018

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The combined effect of vitamin mixture on biological aging, along with the specific contribution of individual components, remains unclear. This study investigated the associations between a mixture of 11 dietary vitamins and biological aging. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 15050 adults from NHANES 2007-2018. Daily intakes of 11 vitamins were estimated using the multiple source method to account for within-person variation from two 24 -h recalls, incorporating both food and supplement contributions. Total vitamin intake was calculated as their sum. Biological aging was assessed using three established indicators: KDM-acceleration and PhenoAge-acceleration (derived as regression residuals of biological age on chronological age), and homeostatic dysregulation (HD, a composite physiological score). Multiple linear regression, restricted cubic spline regression, and quantile g-computation were used to assess individual and joint associations. RESULTS: > 0.05). Stratified analyses revealed stronger associations in males and individuals with comorbidity. Vitamin C was the primary protective component, followed by vitamin B2. CONCLUSIONS: Higher intake of dietary vitamin mixture was associated with slower biological aging, with vitamin C as the key protective driver. These findings support recommending vitamin-rich diets to promote healthy aging.

Source: The journal of nutrition health & aging

DOI: 10.1016/j.jnha.2026.100776

Authors: Xinyu Zhang, Yujie Xu, Xiaoyu Wang, Mengxue Chen, Jingyuan Xiong, Guo Cheng

Institutions: Sichuan University, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University

Language: English

Topic: Nutrition and Health Studies

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,450