Vitamin D linked to brain development

Aug 28, 2012
"Vitamin D is important for the development of memory and cognitive function. There's enough evidence to say that those who have a vitamin D deficiency have higher incidents of impaired memory, which can often be a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. There is enough proof to suggest that vitamin D plays an important role in brain development and helps in protecting nerve cells. People who have lower levels of vitamin D often do badly on tests to measure their cognitive function," say Dr PP Ashok, Head - Division of Neurology at Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai.

Other studies have also shown a direct link between vitamin D and cognitive function. TheUniversity of Cambridge conducted a study of people over the age of 65. It involved testing the vitamin D levels of participants and then testing their cognitive functions. The study showed a distinct difference between people who had low levels of vitamin D and those who had normal levels of vitamin D. The cognitive functions of the former were markedly worse than the latter.

Another study conducted by the University of Manchester across eight European countries established a similar link. It was conducted among a group of 3100 men between the ages of 40 and 79. According to the study, men with lower levels of vitamin D took much longer to process information than those with normal levels of the vitamin. And this difference in processing information was much more marked in men above the age of 60.

These studies have also been cited as evidence for establishing a link between low levels of vitamin D and diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, since cognitive impairment are the first signs of such diseases.

"It has also been observed that children born to mothers deficient in vitamin D during pregnancy tend to see impaired brain development and in extreme cases can even suffer from autism," says Dr Ashok.

A study conducted by the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, shows that vitamin D plays an active role in combating amyloid-beta protein that is directly responsible for causing Alzheimer's. People with a constantly normal level of vitamin D throughout their lives are therefore less likely to be afflicted by the disease than those with low levels. Researchers are currently working on understanding this mechanism in greater detail in order to enhance treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's.

So how do I raise my vitamin D levels? 

So if you think you are vitamin D deficient, it's time to go get yourself medically examined and address the situation. The best way to shore up your vitamin D levels is through exposure to sunlight for at least 15 to 20 minutes before 10 am, for four to five times a week. You may, however, need more or less time under the sun depending on your skin tone, which affects absorption levels. It is, therefore, ideal to check your vitamin D levels at regular intervals and adjust your routine accordingly. It is also advisable to add foods rich in vitamin D to your diet.

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