***Vitamin D is very good for both you and your brain

In a recent study, researchers evaluated the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (better known by its simple name of vitamin D to you and me) in a group of 3,369 men between the ages of 40 and 79. They also measured the subjects' cognitive performance, based on the results of three different tests (for those that are technically minded the tests were the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure test, the Camden Topographical Recognition Memory test, and the Digit Symbol Substitution test - for those that aren't technically minded skip that bit!). Also during the study the researchers took into account other factors such as physical activity, functional performance, and depression. The initial results showed that higher levels of vitamin D corresponded to better scores on all three cognitive tests. However, after adjusting for the other factors it is believed that vitamin D levels only had a significant impact on one (the Digit Symbol Substitution test). In spite of that the researchers felt that the lowest levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D remained the strongest indicator of poor cognitive function in the group. In fact, the researchers believe that ample amounts of vitamin D play an important role in preserving your brain's health as you age. Now, it's true that this connection still warrants further research but that doesn't mean you should wait to start boosting your intake of vitamin D because this vitamin does a lot more than help you remember... It has proven benefits for osteoporosis and helps against breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, plus heart disease. Because dietary sources of vitamin D3 are fairly scarce (in large amounts) and sunscreens block up to 90 percent of the sun's vitamin D producing rays (if you are lucky enough to live near where there is a sun!) I would recommend supplementing with a daily Vitamin D3 supplement of up to 2000i.u. (as well as looking at the other supplements that I recommend in The Alzheimer's Alternative).