Vitamin D deficiency increases mental decline in men
Added 23.11.2009
Approximately 700,000 people in the UK suffer from mental decline
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) approximately 450 million people around the world suffer from mental health problems. One of the many facets of mental health is age-related mental decline, such as dementia. Dementia, the gradual loss of mental abilities, such as memory, thinking and reasoning affects about 700,000 people in the UK. Mental or cognitive decline may be an inevitable part of aging and may be caused by many factors; however, a recent study has discovered vitamin D significantly lessens age-related mental decline in middle-aged and older men.The Scientific Study
Background information
The population-based, cross-sectional study aimed at assessing the link between vitamin D3 (25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and cognitive performance in middle-aged and older European men. The participants consisted of 3,133 men aged between 40 and 79 years. Cognitive function was determined using the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure test, the Camden Topographical Recognition Memory test and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test. Potential interfering factors, such as depression, season and levels of physical activity were accounted for.
Results
Men with the highest levels of vitamin D in their body performed much better in tests measuring attention and information processing speed.
Conclusion
Low levels of vitamin D are linked to poorer mental performance in middle-aged and older men.
Your source of vitamin D
The simplest and best source of vitamin D is sunlight - vitamin D is produced in the body upon sun exposure. But in order for your body to produce sufficient levels, you would need to lie out in the sun - with as much skin exposed as possible - for 20 to 30 minutes every day. Let's face it, how many of us are fortunate enough to do that every single day of the year? You could also eat foods with vitamin D, such as fatty fish, eggs and dairy products. Again, the amount of vitamin D you are getting from food is minimal because you are not likely eating fatty fish every day and many foods lose a lot of vitamin content due to processing.What's the best solution?
Most researchers agree that in order to achieve healthy levels of vitamin D you need to take supplements with a natural form fo vitamin D (D3). Vitamin D3 is the biologically active form used in the study above (25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). Most researchers agree on an intake of at least 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day, which is needed to lower risk of age-related mental decline for overall good health.References:
Lee, D.M. & all. "Association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and cognitive performance in middle-aged and older European men." Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry." May, 2009.
Dr. Bo Nielsen's comments:
As stated in the article, it is not possible for most of us living in Northern Europe to get enough sun exposure to produce sufficient amounts of this important vitamin. It is also commonly agreed in the international research society that we should produce/have an intake of at least 2,000 IU of vitamin D a day to prevent unnecessary chronic disease and even premature death. Today, we know that the risk of developing hundreds of diseases seems to be related to the body's amount of vitamin D3. A simple and inexpensive way of achieving such healthy dosages is by taking a daily quality supplement containing 2,000+ IU of vitamin D3. (please see previous news mails and newsletters for more information about the importance of vitmamin D3).
Vitamin D3 is one of the most important vitamins to take in the right dosages if you want to stay healthy. Doctor's Natural Vitamins combined with OsteoPro-D supplies you with 2,000+ IU of the activ form of vitamin D (D3)
