Risk of Parkinson’s with Low Vitamin D
A study of 3,000 people found that those with the lowest blood levels of vitamin D appeared to be three times as likely to develop Parkinson’s disease later in life – up to 30 years later – compared to those with highest levels.
Parkinson’s affects several brain areas and causes tremors and slow movements. Vitamin D is called the sunshine vitamin because the skin can produce substantial amounts when in the presence of sunlight. It is also found in oily fish, milk, cereals and supplement pills.
For years, scientists have known that vitamin D assists calcium uptake and bone formation but recent evidence suggests it plays a role in regulating the immune system and developing the nervous system.
A level of 30 nanograms per milliliter of blood appears optimal for bone health. But the researchers suggested further research to determine the optimal blood level of vitamin D for brain and nerve health, as well as to determine the level of toxicity, neither of which is known. This study, which has been published in the July 2010 issue of the journal, Archives of Neurology, can be read online with journal subscription: http://bit.ly/bqfjsl