Vitamin D Deficiency Linked To Cognitive Decline: Top 5 Vitamin D-Rich Foods

Vitamin D has been linked to cognitive decline

Vitamins are important for the well-being of an individual as they help in the smooth functioning of a number of body systems. Different vitamins have different significance and these are present in varied quantities in a range of foods. Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is one of the most important nutrients. A new study has indicated a link between deficiency of vitamin D and cognitive decline. The study, conducted by University of Queensland said that a deficiency of vitamin D in the body can affect the synaptic plasticity, which is important for building memory and learning. The study thus, indicated that being low in Vitamin D may increase a person's risk of cognitive decline. Earlier studies and research have also indicated a link between deficiency of Vitamin D and a number of mental issues, including depression.

The study aimed at "converging evidence from human and animal studies support an association between vitamin D deficiency and cognitive impairment" and was published in two journals- Brain Structure and Function, and Trends In Neuroscience. The study looked at "the effect of adult vitamin D (AVD) deficiency on hippocampal-dependent spatial learning, and hippocampal volume and connectivity in healthy adult mice." The study concluded that a lack of vitamin D may be result in cognitive decline and in extension can be tied to increased risks of diseases like schizophrenia and Alzheimer's. A press release on the study, published on the University website, said that the study was conducted on a bunch of adult mice.

(Also Read:Benefits Of Vitamin D: Here's Why You Should Load Up On The Sunshine Vitamin)

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The researchers removed vitamin D from the diets of the adult mice, while another control group continued to receive vitamin D. The vitamin D deficient mice showed a significantly impaired ability to learn and remember things, at the end of a period of 20 weeks. The researchers also reported a reduction in the number of connections between neurons, as well as a decline in the strength of the existing connections. There are a number of foods that you can add to your diet to increase your Vitamin D intake.