Study Finds Link Between Vitamin D Intake and Mental Health

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When UVB rays from the sun reach the skin, they then prompt the body to build vitamin D on its own.

Health experts have claimed vitamin D is a vitamin and hormone, playing a vital role in keeping many parts of the body functioning smoothly. 

A popular supplement, taken every day, vitamin D is typically used to boost immunity and make the bones stronger.

However, developing studies have found that it could be beneficial for the function of the brain, as well, not to mention, possibly help "protect from neurodegenerative illnesses down the line."

According to assistant professor of neuroscience Nicole Avena, Ph.D. from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, vitamin D deficiency can be linked to increased inception of dementia as it plays a crucial role in the prevention of oxidation and infection in the body.

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Vitamin D Deficiency and Dementia

A meta-analysis conducted 2019 that evaluated 11 studies on more than 21,000 individuals in all indicated that there certainly appears to be a link between "vitamin D deficiency and increased risk of progressing dementia" and Alzheimer's disease.

In another analysis which the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease published, concentrations of vitamin D were discovered to be considerably lower in people who have "Alzheimer's disease and other forms of cognitive disorder."

The reason a lack of vitamin D increases the risk of neurodegenerative illnesses is that sufficient levels of vitamin D have been linked to reduced amyloid beta and phosphorylated tau. These two proteins are considered to be warning signs of Alzheimer's disease.

However, there is a need for more research to solidify further the connection between lack of vitamin D and dementia and its driving mechanism.

Considering the lack of vitamin D is related to the start of dementia, an illness affecting memory, it is possible that such a deficiency can impact other features of the memory.

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Getting Enough Vitamin D

It's common knowledge that Vitamin D is most frequently present in three places: sun, food, and daily supplements. 

When UVB rays from the sun reach the skin, they then prompt the body to build vitamin D on its own. As for foods, milk, eggs, and fatty fish, among others, have vitamin D, too, either fortified or naturally with it.

But then, according to Avena, it can be challenging to get the daily dose of the vitamin as recommended, from exposure to sun and everyday diet alone. 

Frequently, Avena added, "I often recommend" intake of supplement specifically if one lives in an area where he does not get the chance to be out in the sun more frequently.

She has also recommended "supplements that use vitamin D3 instead of D2" since it is more beneficial when it comes to the improvement of the body's vitamin D levels.

Consequently, vitamin D is crucial to a lot of procedures in the body, and studies are currently finding; it could play a vital role in terms of brain health maintenance.

To avoid vitamin D deficiency, you can spend long periods in the sun, or eat foods rich in vitamin D. However, it might be easier and more efficient if the daily intake of supplements is added to your daily routine.

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