It’s been long established that Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones. But studies now suggest that a lack of Vitamin D can result in the brain aging much faster than usual. Let’s look at the importance of Vitamin D and what science now knows about its connection to brain aging.
The Importance of Vitamin D
Our bodies naturally produce Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Other source includes consuming certain foods such as salmon, tuna, and fortified orange juice. Vitamin D is an essential part of assisting the body to absorb and retain calcium, an important part of maintaining healthy bones and preventing osteoporosis. Vitamin D also can help to fight cancer cells, reduces inflammation, and control infections. The brain and the spinal cord have Vitamin D receptors which suggests its importance for proper brain and neurological functions.
About the Study
A research study suggests that a Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with a reduction in cognitive function. This study had 1,865 participants and it involved the analysis of structural MRI data and Vitamin D levels.
The results from this study and others suggest that there is a correlation between Vitamin D deficiency and how quickly the brain ages. Areas of focus were memory impairment, cognitive levels, and the relationship between Vitamin D levels and brain function.
Keep Your Brain From Aging With Vitamin D
More research is needed to fully understand how a Vitamin D deficiency can cause the brain to age faster. However, studies do suggest that those who have a Vitamin D deficiency have memory problems and can experience a faster cognitive decline.
