Most people know that vitamin D is good for our bones. We usually get it from sunlight, some foods, or vitamin pills.
But now, scientists are looking into how this vitamin might help our brain too, especially as we get older.
A recent study from Rutgers University looked at women between 50 and 70 years old. These women were overweight or obese, which can affect how their bodies use vitamin D. The researchers wanted to find out how different amounts of vitamin D would change how these women think, remember, and react.
The women were put into three groups. One group took 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D each day — this is the usual amount adults are told to take. The second group took 2,000 IU, and the third group took 4,000 IU, which is a high dose. They all took vitamin D every day for one year and were also encouraged to lose some weight during the study.
After a year, the results were surprising. The women who took 2,000 IU of vitamin D each day improved their memory and learning ability. This means a higher dose than normal might help the brain remember and learn better.
But there was also a problem. These same women — and especially those who took the highest dose of 4,000 IU — had slower reaction times. That means they were slower to respond when something happened around them. This could be dangerous in real life, like when walking, crossing the street, or trying not to trip.
Other studies in the past have also found that high doses of vitamin D might cause more falls. So while more vitamin D could help the brain in some ways, it might also make people slower to move or react.
This study brings up some important questions. What is the best amount of vitamin D for the brain? Should men and women take different amounts? Does a slower reaction time really lead to more falls?
The researchers say that more studies are needed to find the answers. But one thing is clear: it’s important not to take too little or too much. The right amount is key.
There is good news. Vitamin D is only one part of staying healthy as we age. Eating healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and good fats (such as in the Mediterranean diet) can also help our brains. Nutrients like fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants have also been linked to better brain health and lower chances of memory loss.
This Rutgers study, led by Sue Shapses and published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, adds one more clue to how we can take care of our brains. It reminds us that when it comes to vitamins and supplements, more is not always better.
As we get older, taking care of our brain can be simple. A healthy diet, regular movement, and the right amount of vitamin D might be all we need. Sometimes, just enough is the best choice.
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.
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