The list of benefits of adequate levels of Vitamin D keeps growing. In a recent article July Archives of Neurology, Participants whose serum concentration of the vitamin was at least 50 nmol/L had a 65% lower risk of cognitive decline than those whose levels were below 25 nmol/L. The lower limit of normal in most laboratories is 35 nmol/L. The suggested optimal level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, according to the authors, currently is 75 to 80 nmol/L, which is well above what is accepted as normal. Cognitive functions are your ability to think, remember, and process information and more. As we age, it is important to maintain these functions.

In an accompanying editorial, Marian Leslie Evatt, MD, of Emory University in Atlanta noted that vitamin D is actually a hormone with many functions in addition to its more widely recognized effects on calcium absorption and bone growth.
“Because vitamin D regulates the gamut of physiological processes that go awry in disease states, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival, as well as resistance to oxidative stress, regulation of other hormones, and immune modulation, it is not surprising that insufficient or low vitamin D has been associated with increased risk of several cancers and chronic diseases,” Evatt wrote.

As you can see, Vitamin D helps cells grow and regulates their growth that is important in immune function. It also helps new cells that don’t have an assigned function, turn into cells that are specific to repair any tissue damage. It protects us against damage and allows cells to survive longer. What a powerhouse!

Vitamin D plays a role in osteoporosis, cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disease, and high blood pressure. Get your levels measured and use the appropriate amount of dietary supplements of Vitamin D3. Since Vitamin D is fat soluble and can accumulate, it is important to have your levels checked. Have an Anti Aging Physician look at the whole picture of vitamin and mineral deficiencies as well as carbohydrate, protein and fat balance, oxidative stress and hormone levels to prevent or reverse the chronic degenerative diseases of aging and to preserve your memory and cognitive functions.