Vitamin for the brain
Vitamin D deficiency directly increases the risk of dementia
Svetlana Maslova, Hi-tech+
Scientists have confirmed the causal relationship of vitamin D and neurodegeneration and found out how many cases of dementia could be prevented with a dietary supplement. The data also show the optimal level of vitamin D for the prevention of an incurable disease.
Dementia, which is manifested by a serious decrease in cognitive functions, remains one of the main causes of disability in older people. According to forecasts, by 2050 the number of people with dementia will triple and exceed 152 million people. So far, the only preventive measure remains a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. A new study by scientists from The University of South Australia adds important information about the value of vitamin D to prevent neurodegeneration.
The team analyzed the medical data of almost 295 thousand people and came to the following conclusions:
- Low vitamin D levels (25 nmol/L) are associated with a smaller brain volume and an increased risk of dementia and stroke;
- Genetic analysis confirmed the causal relationship of vitamin D deficiency and dementia;
- Up to 17% of dementia cases can be prevented by increasing vitamin D levels to optimal values (about 50 nmol/L).
Figure from the article Navale et al. Vitamin D and brain health: an observational and Mendelian randomization study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition – VM.
"The effect of vitamin D on brain health is becoming increasingly recognized, although until now it has been very difficult to understand what will happen if we prevent its deficiency. These findings are incredibly important, given the high prevalence of dementia in the world," commented the author of the work Elina Hipponen.
Scientists remind that it is possible to achieve optimal vitamin D levels by correcting diet and sun exposure, in some cases dietary supplements will be effective.
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