Vitamin D may play a key role in helping keep the brain working properly later in life, a new study claims.Research published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry looked at over 3,000 European men aged between 40 and 79 and compared their cognitive performance. The study found that men with higher levels of vitamin D performed consistently better in an internationally-recognised test that assesses an individual’s memory, recognition capabilities and speed of information processing.
Commenting on the findings, lead author Dr David Lee, from Manchester's School of Translational Medicine, said: "The positive effects vitamin D appears to have on the brain need to be explored further but claims the finding's raises questions about its potential benefit for those with or susceptible to dementia.”
Vitamin D is found in a small number of foods such as oily fish, eggs and liver. Other food sources include fortified foods such as margarine, breakfast cereals and powdered milk. But we get most of our vitamin D from sunlight on our skin. This is because the vitamin forms under the skin in reaction to sunlight. The best source is summer sunlight.
Sarah Tiddy FAPA - off to the beach!
3 comments:
Thanks Sarah, this is interesting stuff. I always feel much better in the sunshine - or do I just think I feel better because of the extra Vitamin D?
I think you are fast becoming our health correspondent but feel free to continue posting all pieces of interest.
As someone who has a parent with the early signs of dementia any news gives hope. This is very encouraging news and let's hope money is made available to progress the research and find a solution to this desperate illness.
It is predicted that around 950,000people will be suffering from dementia in the UK by 2025.
I would like to propose the Alzheimers Society as the next Charity of the Year for APA.
Very interesting - I must admit my thoughts are similar to Gareth's - I always feel better in the sunshine (or the vitamin D) - especially when I'm driving to and from work in daylight rather than darkness.
Emily, a worthy charity.
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