Longevity Expert Identifies Five Nutrient Deficiencies with 'Profound Effect'...

A leading longevity expert has issued a significant warning regarding five common nutrient deficiencies that can have a "profound effect" on both the quality and length of a person's life. In a report published on October 5, 2025, by Fit&Well, Dr. Matt Kaeberlein, a scientist and founder of the health-tech company Optispan, explained that while these deficiencies may seem like minor issues, their cumulative impact over time can be devastating.

He cautioned that most people experience these as "partial and chronic" shortfalls, which may not produce dramatic daily symptoms but quietly undermine long-term health. Over decades, these persistent gaps in nutrition can significantly increase vulnerability to some of the most feared age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, dementia, infections, and various cancers.

Dr. Kaeberlein uses a powerful analogy to illustrate the danger, telling Fit&Well, “Think of it this way: your body is a complex machine that depends on a steady supply of essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids to keep its systems running. When those inputs are missing, the machinery starts to wear down faster.” He identified five specific micronutrients whose absence is particularly consequential: iron, vitamin D, folate, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

According to Kaeberlein, these are not just minor gaps in a diet but "small cracks in the foundation" that can ultimately shorten both lifespan and healthspan—the years of life lived in good health. However, he strongly advises against rushing to purchase supplements as a solution. Before adding any new regimen, Dr. Kaeberlein advocates for a crucial first step: getting a blood test.

He warns that there is an optimal range for these nutrients, and exceeding the upper limit can lead to its own set of negative health consequences, making informed supplementation key.

• The Critical First Step: Test, Don't Guess
  Before starting any supplement regimen, Dr. Kaeberlein is a strong advocate for blood testing to confirm a deficiency. He explains that for many nutrients, there is a "lower bound and an upper bound," and health can be negatively impacted by having too much, not just too little.
• This data-driven approach ensures that supplementation is targeted and effective, aiming to bring levels into an optimal range rather than blindly guessing. This step is crucial for avoiding potential toxicity and ensuring that supplements are addressing a genuine physiological need rather than contributing to a new imbalance.
• Iron: The Oxygen Carrier
  Dr. Kaeberlein highlights iron as a critical mineral, stating that a chronic deficiency leads to anemia, which impairs the body's ability to deliver oxygen to its tissues. This not only causes persistent fatigue but places a significant strain on the cardiovascular system. "This not only causes fatigue but also forces the heart to work harder, increasing risk of heart failure and earlier death,” he said.
• Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen, and a long-term deficit can severely compromise physical and cognitive function.
• Vitamin D: The Bone and Mortality Protector
  The consequences of low Vitamin D are particularly stark in the context of aging. Dr. Kaeberlein notes that inadequate levels of vitamin D and calcium accelerate bone loss, leading directly to osteoporosis and a heightened risk of fractures.
• He points to a sobering statistic to emphasize the severity: "Hip fractures in older adults carry a 20-30% one-year mortality rate, so preventing this deficiency can literally save years of life.” This underscores that maintaining adequate Vitamin D is not just about bone density but is a critical factor in preventing life-threatening injuries in later life.
• Folate: The Guardian of DNA
  Folate, a B-vitamin, plays an essential role in the very blueprint of life. "Folate is essential for DNA synthesis and methylation,” Kaeberlein explained. When levels are low, the body's ability to create and repair DNA is compromised, which can lead to an accumulation of genetic damage.
• This damage is a known precursor to serious health issues. “Low folate levels increase DNA damage and impair repair, raising risks for cancers and cardiovascular disease,” he stated, adding that populations with chronic folate deficiency consistently show higher mortality rates.
• Selenium: The Antioxidant Defender
  This essential trace mineral is a key component of the body's antioxidant defenses and is also vital for proper thyroid function. According to Dr. Kaeberlein, a lack of selenium can leave the body more vulnerable to cellular damage and disease.
• "Low selenium intake has been associated with higher rates of certain cancers and poorer survival outcomes,” he reported. This highlights its role in protecting cells from oxidative stress, a fundamental process linked to aging and many chronic illnesses.
• Omega-3s: The Heart's Rhythm Keeper
  Deficiencies in marine omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, are directly linked to heart health. Dr. Kaeberlein specified that a lack of these fats is "linked to increased risk of arrhythmias, heart attacks and sudden cardiac death.”
• These fatty acids are integral to cell membranes and play a crucial role in reducing inflammation and maintaining a stable heart rhythm. Their absence removes a key protective element for the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of fatal cardiac events.