Vitamin D is a vital nutrient that plays a role in bone health, immunity, and other bodily functions. despite its importance, approximately half of the population is vitamin D deficient.
This can cause a variety of health issues, such as osteoporosis and muscle weakness. It can also lead to depression. A vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of dementia. This is a condition which affects your memory and thinking abilities.
What is Vitamin D Vitamin D
Vitamin D is needed by your body to help absorb calcium and phosphorus. This helps build strong bones and tissues.
It is also important for regulating the immune system and reducing inflammation.
Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin by sunlight. You can also get vitamin D by eating food such as eggs, fish, fortified milks, and juices.
Vitamin D Dementia
Several clinical studies found that insufficient vitamin D levels are associated with an increased chance of developing dementia.
Vitamin D may help protect the brain because it reduces inflammation, promotes the growth and survival neurons, and regulates calcium levels in brain. These processes are essential for maintaining cognitive functions and reducing dementia risk.
Vitamin D Supplements Can Reduce Your Risk of Dementia
Many researchers have investigated whether vitamin D supplements can reduce the risk for dementia.
The results of a new study, published in March 2023, suggest that vitamin D supplements may help prevent dementia.
The study tracked over 12,000 people who had no dementia at the beginning of the study. It found that those taking vitamin D supplements were 40% less likely to develop dementia than those who didn’t. The study also found that vitamin D was more effective in reducing dementia risk in women than in men, and for those without mild cognitive impairment as opposed to those who had mild cognitive impairment. The study found that those who did not have a particular genetic variant (APOE e4) had a greater reduction in risk.
This study indicates that, while more research is required to confirm the findings, vitamin D supplementation could be an easy and effective way to lower your risk of dementia.
Supplements may not help if you do not have a vitamin D deficiency. Consult your doctor about the right dosage.