A University of South Australia study has revealed a crucial link between vitamin D deficiencies and brain health- specifically, an increased risk for dementia.
Vitamin D has been gaining recognition for its far-reaching effects, including on brain health. Unfortunately, low concentrations of this hormone precursor are a frequent occurrence and severe deficiency can affect up to 50% of certain populations depending on location. Possible mechanisms by which this essential nutrient could impact neuro function include regulation of neurotrophic growth factors, inflammation control and thrombosis modulation. Therefore, leading it to become an increasingly sought after source in order to minimize dementia and stroke risks.
A recent UK Biobank study involving 33,523 participants examined the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and brain neuroimaging features. Utilizing Mendelian Randomization (MR) with an extended sample size of 427,690 participants revealed that vitamin D deficiency below a concentration of 25 nmol/L had the strongest correlation with increased risk for dementia and stroke.
The nonlinear MR analyses demonstrated that a deficiency of 25-hydroxyvitamin D increases the likelihood of dementia by 54%, providing conclusive evidence for its significant influence on cognitive health. Surprisingly, this vital vitamin had no effect on neuroimaging or stroke risk in the study.
The findings emphasize the critical role Vitamin D plays in preventing dementia and elucidate a potential opportunity for effective prevention. In this UK population, it was discovered that up to 17% of dementia cases could be avoided with restricted deficiency levels in Vitamin D concentrations (50 nmol/L). Further MRI studies are needed to corroborate causality between 25-hydroxyvitaminD concentrations and brain morphology.
The results imply limited association between stroke risk reduction and elevated vitamin intake. However, there is still great hope that improved exposure may reduce Alzheimer’s disease incidence.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Vitamin D and brain health: an observational and Mendelian randomization study
