A 35-year study, published in December 2022, analysed the relationship between vitamin D levels and cognitive decline in older adults. We take a closer look at a discovery that pushes the boundaries in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
While the benefits of vitamin D on bone strength, immunity and general well-being have been well-documented for many years, its effects on the brain have been explored less extensively (1).
However, a 2012 meta-analysis found a correlation between low vitamin D and reduced cognitive function as well as a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (2).
A 2016 study reached a similar conclusion, stating that “it appears crucial to maintain vitamin D concentrations at sufficiently high levels in order to slow, prevent, or improve neurocognitive decline“ (3).
Most importantly, a new article was published in December 2022 on a long-term study demonstrating the benefits of vitamin D in a population of elderly volunteers (4).
Almost 300 individuals had agreed to undergo yearly tests designed to assess their mental health and cognitive function, over a period that for some, extended to 35 years! All the participants had agreed to donate their brains to science after their death.
This three-decade, large-scale investigation identified an association between higher vitamin D concentrations in all four areas of the brain and a lower risk of developing dementia or cognitive impairment by the time of the participant’s final test before their death.
In other words, the vitamin appears to protect cognitive function in older individuals, and by extension, the population as a whole.
A number of studies over the last ten years or so have thus demonstrated a correlation between vitamin D levels in the body (or even the brain) and cognitive function and mental health.
A 2013 paper summarised the situation as follows: “Beyond its traditionally-recognised properties of regulating calcium phosphate metabolism, vitamin D is a neurosteroid hormone essential for neurophysiological function (regulation of neurotransmitters and neurotrophins) with an additional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant neuroprotective action” (5).
What’s more, it was found that older people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease or with decreased cognitive ability, all presented with a deficiency in vitamin D while conversely, those with good cognitive function had adequate vitamin D levels.
As yet, however, the specific mechanism by which vitamin D protects the brain from decline is unknown. Further research is therefore needed to establish exactly how vitamin D acts to protect against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The body obtains vitamin D in two ways: from food, especially oily fish and eggs, and from exposure to the sun. Vitamin D is naturally produced by the body when the skin is exposed to UVB rays.
But as one dermatology study noted (6), “the recommended daily dose of vitamin D for adults (at least 800 IU) cannot be achieved through diet alone”. What’s more, above a certain level of exposure, UV leads to the degradation of vitamin D and its precursors in the skin. In addition, it’s been widely demonstrated that UV radiation is the main external risk factor for skin cancer.
Therefore, in order to obtain a minimum of 800IU of vitamin D a day, and if possible an adequate dose of 2000IU-5000 IU, many doctors follow the example of France’s National Academy of Medicine (7) in recommending routine supplementation with vitamin D for the whole population.
References
Keywords
65 Days
Como siempre estáis siempre ofreciendo alternativas naturales a los diversos problemas de Salud con un buen despliegue de información y una variada gama de productos. Y os felicito por el servicio de entrega que hacéis ahora que supera con creces el de antes.
Mariano Navarro Sanchez
65 Days
produits innovants, avec une composition claire
véronique de sainte marie
65 Days
Ravie et Très Satisfaite de Ma Commande et de Mes Commandes Très Bons Produits
Brigitte D.
65 Days
Produits fiables
jacqueline
65 Days
Tout est OK 👌
RICHARD Bertrand
65 Days
Bestelle das Produkt seit Jahren immer wieder ist echt super, Preis Leistung ist ok könnte noch ein bisschen billiger sein aber sonst ok
SONJA Hofbauer
66 Days
Excellent services
DIDDY Mohamed
66 Days
Livraison rapide
devouass
66 Days
Schnelle Lieferung. Gute Begleitung der Lieferung
SCHARWAECHTER Hans Juergen
66 Days
J’ai commencé à prendre les facteurs de croissance osseuse alors que j’étais en plein accès douloureux d’ostéoporose. Mon état s’est stabilisé en quelques jours puis les douleurs ont diminué régulièrement. Je pense continuer ce remède pendant quelques mois puis 1 gélule par jour et une pause etc..
Françoise Delfour
66 Days
Rapidité de livraison avec prestataire fiable ! Toujours impeccable.
Virginie
66 Days
Siempre buenas experiencias y cada vez más rápidos los envíos
Elsje Fokkelman
66 Days
Livraison rapide et en parfait état. Jamais d'erreur.
WUILLEMIN Sylvie
66 Days
J'ai trouvé rapidement sur le site le complément qui m'était nécessaire et la livraison a été très rapide. Merci.
Client
66 Days
Facilité pour passer les commandes. Délais de livraison tenus. Produits de qualité. Je suis cliente depuis longtemps et très satisfaite.
Alexandre PUBERT