And this point, we don’t really need another reason to ensure we’re getting enough vitamin D.
After all, it’s beyond crystal clear that this superstar vitamin is critical for our continued good health. It helps protects us against a stack of chronic conditions from diabetes to heart disease.
But we just got a new reason to embrace D anyway. And this one is a doozy.
It turns out vitamin D deficiency can drive up your dementia risk. And, frankly, that’s a frightening finding because being low in D is extremely common.
In fact, some sources conservatively estimate that nearly 42 percent of US adults have insufficient vitamin D levels. And in some communities, that could run as high as 82 percent.
It’s one of the most common nutritional deficiencies across the globe. And with our aging population, it’s on the rise.
In other words, a whole lot of us are at risk.
Dementia is on the rise
Dementia is an ugly disease. As it progresses, you lose the ability to reason, solve problems, and make decisions.
Dementia slowly robs you of your independence, memories, and what makes you… well… YOU.
Dementia is already a leading cause of disability in America and worldwide. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of the disease. And here, in the United States, it’s estimated that about 5.8 million people have Alzheimer’s or related dementias.
That number is predicted to more than double by 2060. In other words, this is already a crisis. And anything we can do to slow that rise and protect ourselves is a good idea.
That’s where vitamin D enters the picture. An exciting new genetic study conducted at the University of South Australia revealed a direct link between vitamin D deficiency and dementia.
Study linked D deficiency and dementia
The new study took a deep dive into a treasure trove of data from nearly 300,000 UK participants to identify the connection.
But unlike a simple observational study that could reveal an association between low D and dementia, this research went a step further. The scientists used genetic analysis to show “causality” between the two.
In other words, they proved the link. And that, of course, makes this finding even more urgent.
The study found low vitamin D concentrations were associated with an increased risk of dementia and stroke. And the risk for dementia was highest in those folks with a clear deficiency of the vital vitamin.
When the researchers crunched the numbers, they found that 17 percent of dementia cases could potentially be prevented simply by raising vitamin D to a healthy level.
Signs and symptoms of low vitamin D
Since D deficiency is so widespread, especially among older adults, it’s a good idea to check your levels. Ask your doctor about getting a blood test.
Some common symptoms of D deficiency include…
- frequent illnesses or infections
- fatigue
- depression or anxiety
- weight gain
- muscle pain
- slow wound healing
- hair loss
- back and bone pain
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, call your doctor and ask about testing today.
Spending more time out in the sun with some skin exposed and eating vitamin-D-rich foods such as fatty fish, eggs, and yogurt can help boost your levels of the vitamin.
However, for a true deficiency, a supplement is likely required. Talk with your doc about what dosage is right for you.
But low vitamin D isn’t the only vitamin deficiency linked to a greater risk for dementia. Earlier this year, I revealed how folks who were deficient in another nutrient were 68 percent more likely to be given a dementia diagnosis.
You can catch up on that startling research right here.
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