Vitamin D is an important nutrient that helps keep bones strong. It comes from sunlight and supplements, and it also plays a role in how the body and brain function. Scientists have been studying whether vitamin D can improve thinking and memory, especially in older adults.
A recent study from Rutgers University found that vitamin D may help memory and learning, but taking too much of it could slow reaction times. This could be risky for older adults because slower reactions may increase the chance of falls and broken bones.
The study involved overweight and obese women between the ages of 50 and 70. The researchers divided them into three groups. One group took 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily, which is the recommended amount.
Another group took 2,000 IU per day, and the third group took 4,000 IU per day. All participants were also encouraged to lose weight during the study.
After a year, the researchers found that women who took 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily had improved memory and learning. However, these same women also showed signs of slower reaction times. The group taking 4,000 IU per day had even slower reactions, which could make activities like walking or driving more difficult.
Previous studies have already suggested that taking more than 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily might increase the risk of falls. This new research supports that idea and suggests that very high doses, like 4,000 IU, could negatively affect balance and movement.
The scientists say more research is needed to understand how vitamin D affects men and women differently and whether slower reaction times actually lead to more falls and injuries. Until then, they recommend that older adults be cautious with high doses of vitamin D supplements and speak with a doctor about the right amount for them.
This study, conducted by Dr. Sue Shapses and her team, was published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A. It adds to the growing research on how vitamin D affects brain function and movement in older adults.
If you care about Alzheimer’s, please read studies about Vitamin D deficiency linked to Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, and Oral cannabis extract may help reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about Vitamin B9 deficiency linked to higher dementia risk, and results showing flavonoid-rich foods could improve survival in Parkinson’s disease.
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