Poor memory? Maybe you need vitamin D

In the last few years a lot of research has documented the benefits of vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for a variety of functions. The study reviewed here investigated the link between vitamin D levels and cognition in 3369 men aged 40 to 79 years (Lee D.M. et al, 2009).

The vitamin D levels were evaluated by measuring 25-hydroxy vitamin D, the most common way to determine vitamin D status. 3133 men age 60 plus or minus 11 years were included in the final results.

It was concluded that lower levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D were associated with poorer performance on the DSST test (Digit Symbol Substitution test). The DSST is a test to objectively evaluate cognitive function.

It is very common even in sunny climates to have low levels of vitamin D because most people use sun screen when they are out doors.

It is not a good idea to get sunburned, but to get some sun without sunscreen can be healthy. It is also a good idea to take vitamin D3.

Click here for additional information on vitamin D.

Reference:

Lee D.M., et al. Association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and cognitive performance in middle-aged and older European men. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2009 May 21.