Health Update: Brain Levels of Vitamin D Ward Off Dementia
Hello everyone:
Here is some great news about brain health and aging. There is growing evidence for how your body relies on vitamin D to ward off inflammation , cancer , and heart disease. Having enough of it in your blood is linked to a lower risk of dying prematurely ,
and as you already know, dementia almost always does not have a single cause. Now we have a better understanding of how Vitamin D fits into the dementia puzzle. Here is some background info:
“An estimated 6 million people live with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the United States. That number is set to grow to 13 million by 2050 due to the country’s aging population. Alzheimer’s disease is also the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. Every 65 seconds, someone develops AD, and 60% to 80% of people with dementia have AD. While it is most often a disease of people 65 and older, early onset of AD can strike people in their 40s and 50s.
The possible causes of dementias, including AD, remain somewhat elusive and are an area of ongoing research. Recently, a new, observational study investigates for the first time the presence of vitamin D in the brain and its potential effect on cognitive outcomes. The study found that better cognitive function is associated with people who have higher concentrations of vitamin D in their brains. Before the study, it had been unclear whether vitamin D was present in the brain at all.”
Bottom Line: For many reasons, it is a good idea to get your Vitamin D levels measured in a lab test, and if you are low or insufficient, then supplementation is probably the best way to get Vitamin D levels up (unless you live in an area that allows year-round sun exposure). For most adults that are low, dosages of 4000 i.u. per day have been seen to be safe and effective. The only contra-indication for taking Vitamin D that I know of, is if you have been diagnosed with sarcoidosis.
Also, to assist proper utilization of Vitamin D, taking some Vitamin K2 (about 150 mcg. and the best type of which is MK-7), along with some magnesium daily (taking around 400 mg. per day). The type of magnesium depends on several factors. If you are constipated, try magnesium citrate. If you have a history of anxiety or head trauma or PTSD, try magnesium threonate. If you have muscle tightness, try magnesium bisglycinate. If you are taking any blood thinners, check with your prescribing physician to make sure taking Vitamin K2 (as MK-7) is Ok for you.
If you read standard medical information websites, you will see that the dosages that I recommended are higher for Vit. D, however, there is a large amount of data suggesting the dosages I recommend as being safe and effective.
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