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Vitamin D

All articles tagged with #vitamin d

Midlife Vitamin D Levels Tied to Lower Dementia Risk, Study Shows
wellness37 minutes ago

Midlife Vitamin D Levels Tied to Lower Dementia Risk, Study Shows

A Neurology study of 793 adults in their 30s–40s followed for 16 years found higher vitamin D in midlife associated with lower brain tau protein, a dementia-related marker, though amyloid levels weren’t affected and causality isn’t proven. With roughly 60% worldwide deficiency, researchers advise correcting vitamin D deficits and adopting brain-healthy habits—diet (fatty fish), regular physical activity, social and cognitive engagement, and managing vascular risks like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol—to support cognitive health later in life.

Midlife Vitamin D Linked to Lower Tau Buildup in Brain
science1 day ago

Midlife Vitamin D Linked to Lower Tau Buildup in Brain

A study of 793 adults found higher vitamin D levels in midlife (around age 39) were associated with fewer tau protein tangles in brain scans about 16 years later; there was no link with amyloid-beta. The results show association, not causation, and researchers say clinical trials are needed to determine if vitamin D supplementation could help reduce dementia risk.

Vitamin D Fails to Ease COVID, but May Lower Long COVID Risk in Adherent Users
health-and-medicine27 days ago

Vitamin D Fails to Ease COVID, but May Lower Long COVID Risk in Adherent Users

In the VIVID randomized trial, Mass General Brigham researchers found that high-dose vitamin D3 did not reduce COVID-19 severity, hospitalizations, or transmission. However, among participants who consistently followed the supplementation regimen, there was a borderline-significant hint that long COVID symptoms eight weeks after infection were less common (21% vs 25% in the placebo group), meriting further study. The trial enrolled 1,747 COVID-positive adults and 277 household contacts across the U.S. and Mongolia, using a regimen of 9,600 IU/day for two days then 3,200 IU/day for four weeks, starting about three days after a positive test. The study, published in The Journal of Nutrition, emphasizes no clear acute benefits but suggests a potential long-COVID effect in adherent users.

Vitamin D High Doses Do Not Cut Acute COVID Risk, But May Hint at Long COVID Benefit
health29 days ago

Vitamin D High Doses Do Not Cut Acute COVID Risk, But May Hint at Long COVID Benefit

A large randomized trial (VIVID) found that high-dose vitamin D3 did not reduce short-term COVID-19 severity, hospitalizations, or transmission. However, among participants who consistently took the supplement, there was a borderline-significant reduction in long COVID symptoms at eight weeks (21% vs 25%), suggesting a possible benefit that warrants further study.

Vitamin D overdose warning after extreme supplement use case
health1 month ago

Vitamin D overdose warning after extreme supplement use case

Doctors warn that although vitamin D has health benefits, excessive intake can cause hypervitaminosis D with symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness and kidney injury. A BMJ Case Report describes a middle-aged man taking more than 20 supplements—including 150,000 IU of vitamin D daily—leading to very high vitamin D and calcium levels and an eight-day hospital stay, underscoring the need for safe dosing and awareness of supplement combos.

Vitamin D Shortfall May Drive Inflammation, Experts Say
health1 month ago

Vitamin D Shortfall May Drive Inflammation, Experts Say

A UK Biobank analysis links low vitamin D levels to higher C-reactive protein, a key inflammation marker, suggesting that vitamin D deficiency may cause chronic inflammation; correcting deficiency could reduce inflammation and potentially lessen risk or severity of inflammation-related diseases. While promising, findings come with limitations (homogeneous ancestry and a single biomarker), and lifestyle steps—sun exposure, vitamin D–rich foods, and supplements under medical guidance—remain practical ways to boost vitamin D.

Vitamin D May Slow Diabetes Risk in Prediabetes
health2 months ago

Vitamin D May Slow Diabetes Risk in Prediabetes

A meta‑analysis of about 4,500 people with prediabetes across 10 trials found vitamin D supplementation modestly increased the share who reached normal blood sugar (18.5% vs 14% on placebo), suggesting potential improvements in glycemic control and insulin resistance, though effects vary and aren’t guaranteed. Experts say vitamin D should complement—not replace—lifestyle changes (low‑glycemic diet, weight management, regular exercise) and medical guidance; typical study doses were around 4,000 IU daily, with precautions against toxicity and the need to check vitamin D levels with a clinician.

Winter weight chaos: science explains the season’s scale and how to shed it fast
health2 months ago

Winter weight chaos: science explains the season’s scale and how to shed it fast

Winter weight gain is partly biological—colder months often trigger more eating and less activity, and fats influence the body's seasonal signals. Saturated fat can make PER2 act as if it’s summer, promoting fat storage, while unsaturated fat may push the body toward winter fat burning. Add to that higher caloric intake in winter and reduced activity. Practical steps: get morning light to reset your body clock, eat regular meals with most calories earlier in the day, emphasize protein and fiber to curb hunger, consider vitamin D and targeted fibers like inulin or glucomannan, and stay active with daily walks or at‑home workouts for steady weight loss.

Vitamin D and Omega-3 Might Outperform Antidepressants in Depression Research
health2 months ago

Vitamin D and Omega-3 Might Outperform Antidepressants in Depression Research

Meta-analyses cited by a researcher suggest vitamin D and omega-3 supplements may reduce depressive symptoms more than common antidepressants: amitriptyline shows an effect size of about 0.417 vs placebo, omega-3 around 0.558 (1500 mg/day with at least 60% EPA), and vitamin D about 1.82 (5000 IU/day). These findings come from Cipriani 2018 (antidepressants), Sublette 2011+ (omega-3), and Ghaemi 2024 (vitamin D), but all estimates carry large uncertainty and official doses are blamed as “too low.” While supplements are cheap and generally safe, some caveats apply (kidney stones or blood thinners require medical advice). More research is needed, but the article argues trying these might be reasonable for some people under supervision.

health2 months ago

Winter Vitamin D: Don’t Overdo Supplements, NHS Warns

UK health experts warn that vitamin D is important in darker months, but taking more than the advised amount can cause hypercalcemia and symptoms such as excessive thirst and urination, nausea, stomach pain, headaches, brain fog, and new aches. The NHS recommends about 10 mcg daily during the winter and notes that most people can meet needs through sunlight and diet when possible; use supplements to cover gaps and consult a doctor if unsure.

Vitamin D Deficiency Tied to More Severe Flu Infections
health2 months ago

Vitamin D Deficiency Tied to More Severe Flu Infections

An observational study of 36,258 UK Biobank participants found severe vitamin D deficiency (<15 nmol/L) linked to a 33% higher hospitalization rate for respiratory infections, with each 10 nmol/L increase associated with a 4% drop in hospitalizations; about 18% of Americans have insufficient vitamin D. Experts warn this is not causation, advise testing and doctor guidance before supplementation, and emphasize vaccination and other preventative measures as primary flu defenses.

Too much vitamin D can backfire — spot the warning signs and trim your dose
health2 months ago

Too much vitamin D can backfire — spot the warning signs and trim your dose

The NHS advises a daily 10 microgram vitamin D supplement from October to March, but overdoing it can cause symptoms such as excessive thirst and urination, nausea, stomach upset, headaches or brain fog, and new aches or cramps, which may indicate hypercalcaemia. With many people taking higher-dose products and some supplements delivering up to 12.5 times the safe limit, it’s easy to double up from tablets, sprays, gummies, or fortified foods. Use only one vitamin D source and consult a clinician if warning signs appear.

health2 months ago

Vitamin D Linked to Lower Respiratory Infection Hospitalisations, UK Study Finds

A UK study analyzing about 36,000 adults found that severe vitamin D deficiency (<15 nmol/L) was linked to a 33% higher likelihood of hospital admission for respiratory infections (including flu, pneumonia and bronchitis) compared with those with adequate levels (>75 nmol/L). Moreover, for every 10 nmol/L increase in vitamin D, respiratory infection hospitalisations fell by around 4%. The NHS already recommends a daily 10 microgram vitamin D supplement during autumn and winter, and the vitamin is found in foods like oily fish, red meat, egg yolks and fortified cereals. Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the study underscores vitamin D’s potential antiviral benefits and notes older adults and ethnic minority groups are at higher risk of deficiency.

Magnesium May Help Lower Colorectal Cancer Risk for Some, Study Finds
health2 months ago

Magnesium May Help Lower Colorectal Cancer Risk for Some, Study Finds

A small study suggests magnesium supplementation may alter gut bacteria and boost vitamin D activity in the colon, potentially lowering colorectal cancer risk in people with functioning TRPM7 genes; results vary by genetics, and more research is needed before recommendations. Experts advise not starting magnesium specifically to prevent cancer yet and to consult a healthcare provider, while maintaining adequate dietary magnesium.