27 April 2012
A new study from France suggests that increased vitamin D intakes can lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
In the observational study, the dietary vitamin D intakes of 498 women with an average age of 79.8 who did not take vitamin D supplements were assessed using food frequency questionnaires (1). The study results showed that women with lower vitamin D intakes (50 micrograms per week) at the start of the study had a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s after 7 years compared with women with higher intakes (59 micro-grams per week). Furthermore, the highest average intakes of vitamin D were associated with a risk reduction of Alzheimer’s of up to 77%, compared with lower intakes.
The researchers concluded that the low consumption of vitamin D-rich food may precede the onset of Alzhei-mer’s disease. Vitamin D has been linked to brain (hippocampus) protection in rodents by influencing the production and clearance of beta-amyloid proteins. The build-up of plaque from beta-amyloid deposits is associated with an increase in brain cell damage and death from oxidative stress, which is related to a loss of cognitive function and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The scientists noted that the potential brain benefits of vitamin D may also be linked to omega-3 fatty acids, present in vitamin D-rich foods, such as fish.
25 May 2011
Despite many reports to the contrary, German experts have come to the conclusion that older people, young women and children from low-income families often suffer from deficiencies of micronutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, folic acid, vitamin E, zinc and selenium.
26 March 2014
Regular intake of a combined vitamin D and calcium supplement may contribute to a healthy cholesterol profile in postmenopausal women, suggests a new US study.
2 August 2013
Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy may have no preventive effect against childhood wheezing when started too late, suggests a new UK study.
