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A new study indicates daily vitamin D supplements may shield older adults from developing Alzheimer’s disease.
US researchers from Rutgers University and the University of California inform that those who are at least 60 years old have a much higher chance of exhibiting signs of dementia and cognitive decline if they also happen to have a vitamin D deficiency.
What’s more, once these conditions start developing, they spread three (3) times quicker in individuals with a vitamin D deficiency, compared to individuals without a vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D is commonly known as the sunshine vitamin as our bodies produce it when we expose ourselves to sunlight. It has previously been linked to the promotion of bone health and calcium absorption, as well as protection against certain types of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.
And now, Joshua Miller, professor from Rutgers University’s department of Nutritional Sciences, is saying that “On average, people with low vitamin D declined two to three times as fast as those with adequate vitamin D. This work, and that of others, suggests that there is enough evidence to recommend that people in their 60s and older discuss taking a daily vitamin D supplement with their physicians.”
He added that even if future studies will end up proving that vitamin D does not protect against Alzheimer’s disease, people who chose to take it will most likely still experience some health benefits as a fairly recent survey has found that about 50 percent (50%) of American adults are living with one degree or another of vitamin D deficiency.
Field experts say there are two (2) big reasons for why this is the case. The first one is that people nowadays spend most of their work time and free time indoors, usually using computers. The second one is that a lot of people are actively choosing to use a generous supply of sunblock out of fear of fear getting melanoma.
Professor Miller advises these people to make up for their lifestyle choices by taking daily supplements of vitamin D.
For their study, the research team followed 400 older adults for five (5) years and documented their chances as they crossed over into old age. The results showed that individuals who had a vitamin D deficiency suffered cognitive decline at a rate that was two (2) to three (3) times quicker, compared to individuals who had a good level of vitamin D.
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