Vitamin D: Good for More than Just Your Bone Health

When it comes to vitamin D, most of us are familiar with the thought that it's helpful in keeping our bones strong. But did you know that it has many other benefits as well? Adequate levels of vitamin D have been associated with a lower risk of diabetes, certain types of cancer and muscle and bone pain. Of particular interest, vitamin D has also been connected with brain health. Low levels of vitamin D have been correlated with a higher risk of cognitive decline and with symptoms of mild cognitive impairment. Research has also shown some possible benefit from using vitamin D to treat dementia as well, but more studies are needed to more clearly determine if adequate vitamin D slows down the symptoms of dementia or even improves cognitive functioning for a time. Meanwhile, those of us who live in locations where we're not getting much of our vitamin D from the sun might want to make sure our diet contains enough of it from other sources. Related Reading How Vitamin D Helps Your Brain - The research behind the claims regarding vitamin D and your brain. Vitamin D Shown to Be Important in Reducing Brain Plaques in Alzheimer's Disease - An earlier study I highlighted regarding the effects of vitamin D on the brains of people with Alzheimer's. Reducing the Risk of Dementia - A link to several articles on how to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's and other kinds of dementia.Vitamin D: Good for More than Just Your Bone Health originally appeared on About.com Alzheimers...
Source: About Alzheimers Disease - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news