A recent study indicates that taking vitamin D pills on a regular basis can significantly reduce the risk of dementia. People with vitamin D levels less than 50 nmol/L were almost three times more likely to acquire Alzheimer's disease, according to research from France. It is estimated that almost 60% of the UK is below these thresholds.
More than 12,000 people aged 70 years or older who were dementia-free participated in a different study conducted earlier this year, and the results showed that supplements can effectively lower the risk of dementia. The incidence of dementia decreased by 40% in people who used vitamin D supplements, accounting for 37% of the total.
Vitamin D expert Dr William Grant, advisor to the prevention charity foodforthebrain.org, claims people are still underestimating the power of the vitamin. He says: "All the evidence regarding cardiometabolic diseases, cancer, diabetes, infectious diseases, and pregnancy outcomes shows that you need a blood level of vitamin D above 75 nmol/L to be healthy, and the same is proving true for the brain." You can buy vitamin D for as low as 2p per tablet from your local pharmacy. However, taking too much vitamin D can also have unwanted side effects. Speak to your GP before starting any new vitamins or supplements.
