Vitamin D3 - its vital

 

Spending more time in the sun to boost your vitamin D levels may help stave off the cognitive decline associated with aging, according to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Kentucky and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

 

The study suggests that a vitamin D supplement helps accelerate the biological mechanisms responsible for recycling and renewing neurotransmitters (signaling chemicals) in an area of the brain that plays a key role in memory and learning. This leads to an improved ability of neurons to receive and process signals related to memory formation and retrieval.

 

Study confirms higher recommended doses

Scientists have long known that vitamin D plays a critical role in forming and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. In recent years, they have begun to learn that the vitamin is also essential to immune function, and that insufficient levels may increase the risk of cancer, autoimmune diseases and other health problems. Studies suggest that low vitamin D levels may also increase the risk of age-related cognitive decline. In the new study,daily doses that many vitamin D experts are now recommending.The researchers noted that the D3 form of vitamin D is associated with very few side effects.

 

Sunlight improves brain health

A number of prior studies have suggested a connection between vitamin D and cognitive decline. Some studies have shown that dementia patients have lower vitamin D levels than their healthy counterparts. A study published in the Journal of Geriatric Psychology in 2009 found that low vitamin D levels were associated with worse performance on tests of attention, memory and orientation in time and space. Other studies have suggested that vitamin D can also lower the risk of Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia and even depression.

 

Although vitamin D can be found in certain foods (mainly those that are artificially fortified), the best source of the vitamin is ordinary sunlight. Light-skinned people can generate all the vitamin D their bodies need with about 15-30 minutes of unprotected sun exposure on their faces and hands daily; darker skin requires correspondingly longer exposure (up to twice as much).