Low Levels Of Vitamin D Link To Cognitive Problems In Older People

[Richard D]

More on the importance of Vitamin D:

Researchers from the Peninsula Medical School, the University of Cambridge and the University of Michigan, have for the first time identified a relationship between Vitamin D, the "sunshine vitamin", and cognitive impairment in a large-scale study of older people. The importance of these findings lies in the connection between cognitive function and dementia: people who have impaired cognitive function are more likely to develop dementia.

The study was based on data on almost 2000 adults aged 65 and over who participated in the Health Survey for England in 2000 and whose levels of cognitive function were assessed. The study found that as levels of Vitamin D went down, levels of cognitive impairment went up. Compared to those with optimum levels of Vitamin D, those with the lowest levels were more than twice as likely to be cognitively impaired.

Vitamin D is important in maintaining bone health, in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and in helping our immune system. In humans, Vitamin D comes from three main sources – exposure to sunlight, foods such as oily fish, and foods that are fortified with vitamin D (such as milk, cereals, and soya drinks). One problem faced by older people is that the capacity of the skin to absorb Vitamin D from sunlight decreases as the body ages, so they are more reliant on obtaining Vitamin D from other sources.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090122093918.htm

[uppityperson]

1. Peole need adequate amounts of all vitamins. Being malnourished can, of course, lead to problems

Just because being malnourished can lead to problems does not mean that overdosing on vitamins is a good idea either.

[BuddhaGirl]

2. the article said nothing about overdosing

the latest research shows that we do not absorb vitamin D that well. I take 4000IUs daily, in divided doses. That certainly is not overdosing, and the standard RDA's are much too low anyway.

[uppityperson]

3. I was just adding that in since I have heard and read people say that.

[ChazII]

4. I vary my doses of this vitamin

some days I take 4,000 others as low as 600. I take calcium with Vitamin D besides taking the separate pill form of this vitamin. I have neurofibromatosis type 1 or NF1 for short. Latest research shows that vitamin D helps to suppress tumor growth.