Vitamin D performs a variety of tasks in the human body. It may also lower the risk of developing dementia. A study provides interesting results.
Vitamin D is the "sun hormone" that, when produced sufficiently, improves mood and gives a feeling of balance. Vitamin D can be produced by the human body itself, provided that the skin is exposed to sunlight - vitamin D can be formed via a photochemical reaction. The hormone also strengthens the immune system and is important for the health of bones and muscles. Research and studies also suggest that the concentration of vitamin D in the body has an influence on the development of depression and dementia as well as Alzheimer's disease. With regard to cancer, a study by the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) shows that vitamin D has a significant influence on the chances of survival of cancer patients.
Vitamin D: What tasks the hormone performs in the body
A lack of vitamin D could increase the risk of dementia. © Science Photo Library/Imago
According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), vitamin D performs important functions for bone metabolism by promoting the absorption (absorption) of calcium and phosphate from the intestine into the bones. Vitamin D thus plays a key role in bone mineralization. In addition, the hormone is important for the formation of proteins and is involved in the control of a large number of genes. As a result, physicians suspect a possible connection between vitamin D supply and chronic diseases or inflammation – studies with regard to depression and the influence of vitamin D as well as the role of vitamin D in a study on Alzheimer's dementia provide clues.
Vitamin D: Hormone deficiency could increase the risk of dementia
In a study, scientist Professor David Llewellyn of the University of Exeter investigated the consequences of vitamin D and the possible risk of dementia. The researcher examined the relationship between a cohort of 1,658 elderly Americans who had had their blood levels of vitamin D determined six years earlier. Since many elderly people in industrialized countries spend little time outdoors, vitamin D deficiency is relatively widespread in old age, according to the Ärzteblatt.
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In the meantime, more than 171 of the study participants have developed dementia, and 102 have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Professor Llewellyn found that participants with a vitamin 25(OH)D level of less than 25 nmol/l – which is classified as a severe deficiency – were 2.25 times more likely to develop dementia. The risk of Alzheimer's dementia was increased by a factor of 2.22. With a slight deficit of vitamin 25(OH)D between 25 and 50 nmol/l), the risk increased by 53 percent and even 69 percent, respectively. Further analyses showed that a vitamin D concentration of over 50 nmol/l would be necessary to avoid dementia. According to the results, the seniors participating in the study with low levels of vitamin D hormones in their blood had a twofold increased risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
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Vitamin D deficiency: what happens in the brain as a result
How a vitamin D deficiency can ultimately damage the memory centers of the brain is not yet known exactly. However, many brain cells have receptors for vitamin D3 and the enzyme, 1a-hydroxylase, which is needed for the synthesis of the bioactive form of the vitamin, is also widespread in the brain, explains Professor Llewellyn as part of his investigations. Vitamin D would also be needed by macrophages, which are responsible for eliminating harmful protein deposits in the brain.
Conversely, however, a vitamin D deficiency does not mean that balancing the "sun hormone" protects against senile dementia. Ultimately, there are several factors that can promote the development of dementia.
This article contains only general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It is in no way a substitute for a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, individual questions about clinical pictures may not be answered by our editors.
