Vitamin D has in fact been the fashionable vitamin in recent years, as Create health has mentioned in several related studies. The lack of this vitamin, which is obtained naturally especially after exposure to sunlight (UVB) and smaller amounts through diet as well as nutritional supplements, is the cause of many diseases such as cancer, osteoporosis or multiple sclerosis . A British study showed that vitamin D deficiency in the elderly is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease by about 70%.
But beware, as with most vitamin D studies, a finding or observation is not necessarily a sign of a cause and effect relationship. In other words, it is not yet known whether low levels of vitamin D in the blood are the result of health problems, or whether the deficiency causes diseases as this study demonstrates. The researchers themselves say it’s too early to prescribe vitamin D to prevent dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Study in detail, the risk of dementia
This study was conducted by British researchers at the University of Exeter. His work was published in the American journal Neurology. The study focused on 1658 participants aged over 65 and residing in the United States. After 6 years of observation the researchers found that 171 participants had developed dementia, including 102 with Alzheimer’s disease. Remember that Alzheimer’s is the main form of dementia.
When analyzing the concentration of vitamin D in the blood ( see our report on vitamin D dosage ), the scientists observed that participants with moderate vitamin D deficiency were 53% more likely to suffer from dementia, and those with severe deficiency had 125% more risk. With regard to Alzheimer’s in particular, there was an increased risk of 69% in participants with moderate vitamin D deficiency, and 122% in patients with severe deficiency.
Investigators were surprised
Project group leader David Llewellyn commented on the study: “We expected to find an association between low vitamin D levels and Alzheimer’s risk, but the results are twice as high as we had anticipated.” This isn’t the first study to show a link between low vitamin D levels and Alzheimer’s disease, but according to the authors, this is the most comprehensive and conclusive (source BBC).
Vitamin D, to consume without moderation
Create health advises its readers to consume a daily dietary supplement with vitamin D for better health. In summer, exposure to the sun between 11 am and 3 pm 3-4 times a week for about 15-20 minutes without sunscreen is also recommended to replenish your vitamin stores for many months (until winter), but be careful don’t get a sunburn . With age, the production of vitamin D by the sun becomes less effective, as in people with dark (black) skin. In such cases, food supplementation is highly recommended, as few foods contain vitamin D in sufficient amounts.
Also read our full page on Vitamin D.
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