Deficiency of the most important vitamin has been linked to an increased risk of dementia

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Vitamin D helps the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus, which are needed to build bones, reduce the growth of cancer cells, and fight infections. In addition to losing these benefits, a deficiency of the most important vitamin increases the risk of dementia. Recently, scientists found a direct link between D deficiency and the development of senile dementia.

In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, experts studied data and brain scans of more than 300,000 people from Great Britain. They wanted to study the effect of very low levels of vitamin D on the risk of dementia and stroke.

As a result, scientists did not find a direct connection between the vitamin and the volume of the brain itself, as well as with stroke. But they found that those with higher levels of vitamin D had a lower risk of dementia than other people. At the same time, the chances of developing senile dementia decrease with an increase in the level of this microelement, which is most important for humans.

Researchers noted that this relationship increased up to a certain point of vitamin D content – up to 50 nmol/l. After increasing the concentration, the reduction in the risk of dementia was less dramatic. That is, scientists assume that people who, with the help of supplements, will bring their vitamin level up to 50 nmol/l can get great benefits for the brain. Note that a deficient state is a trace element concentration of less than 30 nmol/L.

“The potential impact fraction suggests that 17% of dementia could be prevented by increasing vitamin D to 50 nmol/L. “Most of us will probably be fine, but for those who for some reason may not be getting enough vitamin D from the sun, dietary changes may not be enough and supplements may be needed,” the study authors note.