Studies have linked low vitamin D with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease. However, it’s not clear whether vitamin D supplementation lowers Alzheimer’s risk. You can get vitamin D through sun exposure as well as your diet.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia in older adults. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 7 million people in the United States are currently living with Alzheimer’s. Experts expect this number to increase to almost 13 million by 2050.
There’s currently no cure for Alzheimer’s. Additionally, there’s no surefire way to prevent Alzheimer’s from developing, although certain lifestyle choices may help to reduce your risk.
Some research has suggested that vitamin D supplementation may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. Continue reading to discover more.
Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient for the brain. Research on animals and cells has shown that the vitamin may help with important brain functions like learning and memory while also fighting against inflammation and protecting neurons.
Some research has also suggested that it may also help remove harmful amyloid plaques in the brain, which are linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
But while research has indeed linked low vitamin D with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s, it’s not clear whether any aspect of these research results affects humans. More study is necessary to understand the relationship between vitamin D and Alzheimer’s disease.
It’s unclear whether vitamin D supplementation could reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. While some studies have found supplementation helpful, other
A 2023 study did find that vitamin D exposure was associated with living longer without dementia and 40% lower dementia incidence in general compared to no vitamin D exposure.
However, a
Due to these mixed results, more research is needed to understand whether vitamin D supplements are beneficial for those with Alzheimer’s disease.
Whether vitamin D can help reduce the chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease or not, it’s still a crucial nutrient at any age.
Your body naturally produces vitamin D in response to sunlight. While some research suggests 5 to 30 minutes of sun exposure most days of the week can lead to sufficient vitamin D production, this can vary based on:
- the season and length of the day
- whether or not there’s a lot of cloud cover
- air pollution
- sunscreen use
- skin melanin content
Prolonged sun exposure is also linked to the development of skin cancer. As such, it’s also a good idea to enrich your diet with foods high in vitamin D.
Examples of foods rich in vitamin D include certain fish, egg yolks, mushrooms, and vitamin D-fortified foods like milk.
The amount of daily vitamin D that’s recommended for you depends on your age. The table below shows daily vitamin D recommendations
NIH vitamin D recommendations
| Age | Recommended daily vitamin D in micrograms (mcg) and International Units (IU) |
|---|---|
| Birth to 12 months | 10 mcg (400 IU) |
| Ages 1 to 70 years | 15 mcg (600 IU) |
| Age 71 and older | 20 mcg (800 IU) |
| Pregnant and nursing | 15 mcg (600 IU) |
How do I know if I’m getting enough vitamin D?
It can be difficult to know whether you’re getting enough vitamin D. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can be subtle. In older adults, low vitamin D can contribute to an
If you’re concerned that your vitamin D levels may be too low, a healthcare professional can order a 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood test to check your levels. Several at-home vitamin D tests are also available.
What’s the best vitamin to prevent Alzheimer’s?
The
The organization does note that the most consistent positive results have been in studies of omega-3 fatty acid supplements.
How much vitamin D should I take daily to prevent dementia?
A causal link between low vitamin D and dementia has not been proven. However, it’s known that low vitamin D can cause a variety of health problems. As such, it’s always a good general rule to ensure you’re getting sufficient daily vitamin D.
Does vitamin D affect memory loss?
Older research suggests that there may be an association between severe vitamin D deficiency and memory loss.
Research has linked low vitamin D with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s. However, the results of studies on whether vitamin D supplementation reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s have been mixed. Overall, more research is needed on this topic.
You can get vitamin D by sun exposure and via your diet. Individuals who cannot get enough vitamin D through these routes may need to take a supplement. Always talk with your doctor before adding any new supplements to your diet.
