A study from Rutgers University has shed light on how vitamin D affects the cognitive function of older adults.
Vitamin D, known for its crucial role in bone health, can be obtained through sunlight and supplements. It’s also believed to influence brain function, including cognition.
The Rutgers study specifically examined the impact of vitamin D on memory and reaction time in overweight and obese women aged between 50 and 70. The participants were divided into three groups.
The first group took the recommended daily dose of 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D for a year. The second group took 2,000 IU per day, and the third group took 4,000 IU per day. All the women were encouraged to lose weight during the study.
The researchers found that women who took 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily experienced improvements in memory and learning. However, an interesting observation was made regarding their reaction times.
At 2,000 IU daily, there was a trend towards slower reaction times, and at 4,000 IU, reaction times were significantly slower. This slowing of reaction time is important because it may increase the risk of falls and fractures, particularly in older individuals.
Previous research has indicated that vitamin D supplementation of about 2,000 IU daily or more could be linked to an increased risk of falls. The study suggests that a dosage of 4,000 IU of vitamin D per day might be risky for older people, potentially affecting their walking or balance.
The findings highlight the need for further research to determine whether reaction time is directly related to fall and injury rates in high-risk individuals.
Additionally, more studies are needed to explore how different doses of vitamin D supplementation might affect men and women differently.
For those interested in brain health, there are other studies worth exploring. For example, research has shown that the Mediterranean diet could help protect brain health, and Vitamin B supplements may reduce the risk of dementia.
Additionally, studies have found that a high-fiber diet might lower dementia risk, and certain antioxidants could help in reducing the risk of dementia.
Published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, the research led by Sue Shapses and her team provides valuable insights into the effects of vitamin D on cognitive function in older adults.
It emphasizes the importance of finding the right balance in vitamin D supplementation to improve memory performance without compromising reaction times.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease, and vitamin D supplements strongly reduce cancer death.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies about plant nutrient that could help reduce high blood pressure, and these antioxidants could help reduce dementia risk.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
