The biological phosphate regulatory system plays an important role in longevity and aging. Recent work focusing on the aging suppressor gene Klotho suggests that “phosphate accelerates aging”, thereby directing the focus toward various diseases caused by an abnormal phosphate balance mediated by the fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) /Klotho/Vitamin D axis. In the present study, using knock-out mice and cultured cells, we revealed that the FGF23/Klotho/Vitamin D axis mediates mineral homeostasis from early development to late adulthood. Our findings suggest that the biological vitamin D status in chronic diseases can control aging. Analysis of methods to suppress aging by modifying phosphate and vitamin D metabolism in association with the prevention or improvement of progressive chronic kidney disease or cerebral dysfunction could help to promote a healthy life and slow the aging process through a nutritional approach.

In 2018, the proportion of elderly individuals over the age of 65 years in Japan was 28.1％, and the proportion is estimated to increase to 35.3％ by 2040. Aging is a risk factor for various diseases such as diabetes, motor dysfunction, arteriosclerosis, osteoporosis, cancer, and dementia. As these diseases take many years to develop, their prevention is important. Therefore, we have been studying the prevention of cancer and dementia in relation to food factors. Research on cancer prevention has shown that diallyl trisulfide (DATS) , a volatile flavor compound found in garlic, suppresses the growth of colon cancer cells via cell cycle arrest. DATS also promotes detoxification of carcinogenic substances by regulating drug-metabolizing enzyme activity in the liver. On the other hand, studies of dementia have shown that intake of polyunsaturated fatty acid improves cognitive function in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. These results demonstrate the potential of food factors to contribute to the extension of a healthy lifespan by preventing age-related diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease.