Vitamin D - Key to a Healthy Brain

Vitamin D is not only known for its importance in reducing arthritis, osteoporosis fractures as well as heart disease and some cancers, but new studies show it may also play a critical role in maintaining brain function later in life. A study of 3,000 European men between the ages of 40 and 79 required the men undergo a variety of tests for mental function, including memory and information processing. The results showed that the men with the highest levels of Vitamin D in their blood scored the highest, and the men with the lowest levels scored the worst. Other studies have indicated that Vitamin D protects against age-related cognitive decline.

Researchers do not know yet how Vitamin D is working to protect the aging brain, but think that it might increase levels of antioxidants, increase key hormone levels, or suppress a hyperactive immune system that can lead to brain deterioration. Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread problem, especially among the elderly and those in less sunny climates. Vitamin D is created by the body itself when skin is exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays. The average light-skinned person can get enough Vitamin D for the day with just 15 minutes of direct exposure to their face and hands. Darker skinned people, the elderly and those living far from the equator (especially in the winter) may need more time in the sun to get the same amount of Vitamin D that is needed for the body. Few foods contain high levels of Vitamin D, so monitored exposure to sunlight is the most important way to get your daily dose of Vitamin D.