Vitamin D Associated to Brain Function

Scientists at Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland have recently found convincing biological and behavioural evidence indicating a vital link between vitamin D and brain development and function.

The research reveals that while vitamin D has an important role in the development and function of the brain, its exact effects on behavior remain unclear, but there is a need for vitamin D supplementation in groups chronically deficient in this vitamin.

Vitamin D has long been known to promote healthy bones by regulating calcium levels in the body. Lack of sufficient vitamin D in very young children results in rickets, which can be easily prevented by vitamin D supplements. Besides this vitamin D has also has an important role in protecting against autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis and type I diabetes, as well as some forms of cancer, particularly colorectal and breast.

Vitamin D is present in only a few foods (e.g., fatty fish), and is also added to fortified milk, but our supply typically comes mostly from exposure to ultraviolet rays (UV) in sunlight.