Researchers from Finland have found that a person’s risk of developing Parkinson’s disease as they grow older may increase if they have low levels of vitamin D. The study was published in the Archives of Neurology and it examined 3,000 people. The researchers found that those with the lowest vitamin D levels had a threefold risk of developing the disease.
Experts concluded that vitamin D could help to safeguard the nerve cells which are slowly lost by people who are suffering from the disease. Parkinson’s Disease results in symptoms such as slow movements and tremor, and it impacts upon many areas of the brain.
The charity Parkinson’s UK stated that further research was necessary to establish a firm link between Vitamin D and Parkinson’s disease.
The study was carried out over thirty years by Finland’s National Institute for Health and Welfare. Vitamin D levels were measured using blood samples taken from study participants between 1978 and 1980. These participants were then followed for thirty years to find out whether they went on to develop Parkinson’s Disease.
Results showed that members of the study with the lowest vitamin D levels were three times more likely to fall ill with Parkinson’s Disease when compared with those study members who had high vitamin D levels.
The majority of vitamin D is made by our bodies when our skin is exposed to sunlight. However, as we grow older our skin loses the ability to produce vitamin D in this way.
Vitamin D has long been recognised as an aid to calcium uptake and the formation of strong bones. However, recent research has shown that it also plays an important part in the development of the nervous system, and in the regulation of the immune system.
Vitamin D and Brain Health
Recent studies have shed light on vitamin D’s broader role in brain health, beyond its potential link to Parkinson’s disease. Research suggests that adequate vitamin D levels may support cognitive function and protect against age-related cognitive decline.
Some key findings include:
- Vitamin D receptors are found throughout the brain, particularly in areas involved in memory and learning.
- Low vitamin D levels have been associated with increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Vitamin D may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, two factors linked to neurodegenerative diseases.
While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between vitamin D and brain health, these findings highlight the importance of maintaining optimal vitamin D levels throughout life. Regular blood tests can help you monitor your vitamin D status and work with your healthcare provider to address any deficiencies.
Remember, vitamin D isn’t just crucial for bone health – it may play a vital role in keeping your brain sharp and healthy as you age.
Although sunlight is the main source of vitamin D it can also be found in foods such as milk, cereals and oily fish. In addition, if you wish to boost your intake of vitamin D there are also a number of supplements available on the market. We recommend Vitamin D3 as an excellent choice of supplement. Vitabiotics Ultra Vitamin D is also a good choice.
A home test kit for Vitamin D deficiency is a also and quick way of finding out if you should be concerned about your Vitamin D levels.
Sleep Problems, Depression and Falls
For those who have already been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, the risk of being deficient in Vitamin D is a cause for concern still. A study published in 2019 suggested that a lack of this vitamin could lead to a greater tendency to fall over, disturbed sleep problems, anxiety, as well as depression in people. Because of these risks, those with the disease should consider ways to avoid a Vitamin D deficiency.
Photo Credit: Suzanne Schroeter / Flickr CC
This post was originally published in 2022. It was last updated in August 2024.
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