Low Vitamin D Levels Linked to Cognitive Decline

Some previous studies have suggested that vitamin D supplementation may exert a beneficial effect on cognitive function among older adults, because vitamin D binds to neuronal receptors in the brain, and may thereby develop an anti-neurodegenerative action through anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects.  Cedric Annweiler, from Angers University Hospital (France), and colleagues studied a group of 5,596 women, none of whom were taking vitamin D supplements, dividing them into two groups according to their baseline weekly vitamin D status: inadequate (less than 35 micrograms per week) or recommended (more than 35 micrograms per week).  As compared to women with recommended weekly vitamin D dietary intakes, those women with inadequate intakes were found to have lower scores on a standardized cognitive test.  The researchers conclude that: “Weekly dietary intake of vitamin D was associated with cognitive performance in older women.”