Scientists Just Discovered That This Popular Vitamin Is Also Linked to Better Aging
Key Points:
- A new study published in Sleep Medicine found that older adults with mild cognitive impairment and sleep disturbances who took 5,000 IU or more of vitamin D daily scored over 13% higher on a cognitive test than those who did not supplement.
- Previous research, including a 2023 study with nearly 12,500 participants, suggests vitamin D supplementation is linked to a significantly lower risk of developing dementia, especially among women.
- Experts note that vitamin D plays a role in brain function and inflammation, with receptors present in the brain, but emphasize that current findings are preliminary and do not prove causation.
- While vitamin D deficiency may impact cognitive health, routine supplementation at high doses is not universally recommended; most adults need 600-800 IU daily, and high doses should be taken only under medical supervision.
- Individuals interested in vitamin D for brain health should consult healthcare providers for blood testing and personalized advice, as the research so far involves small, specific populations and requires further study.