That’s right. Some more good news for vitamin D. Results from a recent study including over 1700 elderly individuals suggest that those with higher levels of vitamin D have a reduced risk of cognitive impairment.
Vitamin D deficiency is common in older individuals due to reduced exposure to sunlight, less ability of the skin to produce vitamin D and reduced dietary intake. Deficiencies in this critically important vitamin have been linked to an increased risk of skeletal fractures, diabetes and mortality. Now it seems that vitamin D is important for proper cognitive function as well.
The study included 1766 individuals over the age of 65 that were all part of the Health Survey for England 2000. Cognitive impairment was evaluated using the Abbreviated Mental Test Score. Blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) were also measured. 25[OH]D is an inactive form of vitamin D that circulates in the blood and is a good indicator of vitamin D levels.
Overall, 12% of participants were cognitively impaired. Vitamin D levels were highest in individuals with normal cognitive function, and about half of cognitively impaired individuals were in the lowest 25% of vitamin D levels. It was found that individuals with the lowest vitamin D levels were four times more likely to be cognitively impaired. This relationship remained significant even when other factors, such as age and sex, were taken into account.
The role of vitamin D in cognitive function is uncertain. It has been suggested that it is involved in brain detoxification pathways, and may also stimulate neurogenesis. Vitamin D may also have neuroprotective effects, and help to prevent damage to the nervous system.
Llewellyn DJ, Langa KM, Lang IA. Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentration and Cognitive Impairment. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol. Published online December 10, 2008.
For more information see Vitamin D3
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