Adults are being urged to take vitamin D supplements daily as a new study finds it can dramatically decrease risk of dementia.
It’s widely known that taking the vitamin during the darker months of the year can help maintain healthy bones and a stronger immune system, but new evidence suggests further benefits.
Research conducted in France found that individuals exhibiting vitamin D levels below 50 nmol/L were nearly three times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Remarkably, over 60% of the UK falls below these levels.
Another study earlier this year, involving more than 12,000 individuals aged 70 and above who were free from dementia, indicated that supplements can be effective in reducing the risk of this condition. Over a third (37%) of the participants were taking vitamin D supplements and experienced a 40% decrease in the incidence of dementia, reports Gloucestershire Live.
Vitamin D expert Dr William Grant, advisor to the prevention charity foodforthebrain.org, claims people are still underestimating the power of the vitamin. He says: “All the evidence regarding cardiometabolic diseases, cancer, diabetes, infectious diseases and pregnancy outcomes shows that you need a blood level of vitamin D above 75 nmol/L to be healthy, and the same is proving true for the brain.”
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Be sure to speak to your doctor first before making any drastic changes to your diet. Supplementing with vitamin D is simple and cheap. Boots is offering 180 tablets for £4.00 , working out as around 2p per pill. Meanwhile, Superdrug has a 90-pack of high strength tablets for £4.99 .
Dr Grant, and the NHS, recommends every adult should consider taking a vitamin D supplement between October and March, as our main source of the vitamin, the sun, is not as strong during these times. If you choose to take vitamin D supplements, 10 micrograms a day will be enough for most people, though those with darker skin typically need more.
While vitamin D is found in a small amount of foods, it likely you don’t eat enough of them to reach a healthy level. Sources include:
- oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel
- red meat
- liver
- egg yolks
- fortified foods – such as some fat spreads and breakfast cereals
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
