# Higher Vitamin C, D, and Carotenoids Linked to Living Longer

_Evidence Level: Moderate · Bian C et al., Biological trace element research, DOI 10.1007/s12011-026-05214-2_

*Biological Aging Mediates the Associations Between Multiple Serum Micronutrients and All-Cause Mortality Among U.S. Adults.*

- **Evidence Level**: Moderate
- **Why this grade**: Prospective cohort of 6,387 US adults followed for a median of 14 years, yet observational with micronutrients measured only once at baseline.
- **Facts**: Funding: Noncommunicable Chronic Diseases-National Science and Technology Major…
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article
- **Journal**: Biological trace element research
- **Sample Size**: 6,387 U.S. adults
- **Authors**: Bian C, Wang W, Wu Z, Zhang H, Wen C, Zhong K, Yang R, Zhong Q
- **Graded and published**: 2026-07-03
- **Last edited**: 2026-09-17
- **Topics**: vitamin D, vitamin C, lycopene, longevity
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-026-05214-2
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42393351/

## Summary

U.S. adults with higher blood levels of vitamin C, vitamin D, beta-carotene, and lycopene were less likely to die during the study. Part of the reason seemed to be slower biological aging. Lycopene, found in tomatoes, had the strongest link. This is a correlation, so it doesn't prove the nutrients caused the benefit.

## Practical Takeaway

This study suggests diets rich in colorful produce and vitamin D may support longer life.

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_Canonical: https://longevity-germany.com/en/research/higher-vitamin-c-d-and-carotenoids-linked-to-living-longer · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-09-17_