Dementia affects millions of older adults worldwide. Researchers have now found that taking daily vitamin D supplements may significantly lower dementia risk by 40 percent, according to a recent study.
The study, published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia Diagnosis, Assessment, and Disease Monitoring, analyzed nearly 12,500 older adults with no initial dementia. The researchers compared those who took vitamin D supplements to those who didn’t during the study period. The results showed that people taking vitamin D had a lower risk of developing dementia by 40 percent.
Additionally, women in the study group showed a higher response to vitamin D supplementation, with a 49 percent reduced risk of developing dementia. Notably, nearly 75 percent of participants with dementia did not have sufficient exposure to vitamin D.
While the study does not explain why vitamin D is linked to lower dementia risk, experts believe that it may impact cellular functions and clear beta amyloid proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin D also helps slow tau tangle buildup, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s.
The recommended daily intake of vitamin D varies by age, but most adults should get 600 IU daily. Exposure to sunlight also produces vitamin D in the body. Supplements are available, but consult your doctor before taking any. Geriatric psychiatrist David Merrill stresses that taking vitamin D alone won’t prevent dementia and recommends a healthy lifestyle.
Best Vitamin D Supplements:
* High Potency Vitamin D-3: A highly-rated supplement with a 4.8-star rating on Amazon.
* Garden of Life RAW D3: A daily formula containing probiotics, gluten-free, kosher, and RAW.
* Orange Vitamin D3: A tried-and-true product with high-quality ingredients and easily swallowable gel caps.
* Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3 Supplement: Hypoallergenic, vegetarian, and allergen-free.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/taking-daily-vitamin-could-slash-165700747.html