For years, researchers have proven that vitamin D plays a key role in the formation of healthy bodies. While instrumental in the development and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones, vitamin D also protects individuals from a number of diseases, including some cancers.
New research has revealed that vitamin D may help to regulate the development of Alzheimer’s disease. In a study led by Professor Declan Naughton of Kingston University, data revealed that all individuals with unregulated cases of Alzheimer’s disease were severely deficient in vitamin D. Contrarily, in cases where a subjects Alzheimer’s disease was well regulated or non-existent, individuals possessed elevated blood levels of vitamin D in the body. According to the authors:
The key point in this study was that a blood test…developed at Kingston University, was for the first time able to accurately measure which, if any, of the different variations of vitamin D were present in Alzheimer’s patients. This is believed to be the first time scientists have pinpointed the connection [to vitamin D].
It’s extremely important to increase your vitamin D intake as you age in order to gain the benefits of increased supplementation. This will help to impede any future risk of developing certain illnesses and diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. The recommended daily dose of vitamin D for regular individuals is 15mcg daily and for those 70 years and older, 20mcg daily.