Why the Sunshine Vitamin is Vital for the Health of Your Brain

An often-discussed good health essential, vitamin D aids calcium balance and strengthens bones whilst regulating both your immune system, and a number of genes which are vital for optimum brain health. 

Research has tied low levels of vitamin D to a variety of chronic health issues, and even early death. Recent studies have revealed just how much vitamin D impacts our brain functioning, so let’s take a look.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a type of hormone called a neurosteroid. There are two types of vitamin D, namely D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). The form D2 is far less active than D3. Vitamin D can be attained in the following ways: 

• Via sunlight: your skin produces vitamin D in response to UVB sun exposure, in which 7dehydrocholesterol is converted into pre-vitamin D3, which is subsequently converted to vitamin D3. 

• In dietary form: fatty fish (such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines), cod liver oil, certain fortified milk, and some cereals.

The levels of vitamin D you acquire through sun exposure vary depending on a multitude of factors, including the pigmentation of your skin, your use of sunscreen, the time of day it is, the altitude, latitude, and air pollution levels.

Vitamin D formed from your diet is generally not enough on its own to be sufficient. The recommended healthy intake of vitamin D for an adult per day sits at around 1,000 – 2,000 IU (international units.)

What Effect Does Vitamin D Have on the Brain?

As well as having all number of benefits for your body, vitamin D has also been shown positively impact your cognitive functioning. 

Both laboratory and animal studies have demonstrated vitamin D’s ability to protect neurons and reduce inflammation. It also affects enzymes in the brain that are involved in both nerve growth and neurotransmitter synthesis. 

What Does a Lack of Vitamin D do to Your Brain?

Similarly and expectedly, research has revealed that low levels of vitamin D result in impaired cognitive performance across a range of mental tests. It has also been associated with a higher risk for depression. 

Even moderately reduced vitamin D levels have been linked to a significantly increased chance of developing both schizophrenia and dementia. One study even revealed that patients who were vitamin D deficient were at a higher risk of poor brain function when they have been resuscitated after a cardiac arrest. 

So, don’t underestimate the importance of vitamin D for your brain! Get out there and catch a few rays now and then and include vitamin D-rich foods in your diet regularly. And if you still aren’t getting enough, consider taking a good-quality supplement, especially during the darker winter months.