This is a little off-topic but I ran across it in today's news and it made me think of this thread. All the more reason to get blood levels of Vitamin D checked. It impacts more important things than bone density.
Quote:
The link between Alzheimer’s and vitamin D has been confirmed
Vitamin D seems to be vital for a healthy brain. Scientists and doctors have known for some time that a vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of developing multiple sclerosis, another brain disorder, and can even make the disease more severe.
This year, the suspected link between vitamin D deficiency and Alzheimer’s was confirmed.
In the study, researchers at England’s Exeter University looked at data and medical records from over 1,600 people. The survey found that people who were moderately deficient in vitamin D face a 53 percent higher chance of developing dementia, and those who were severely deficient have a 125 percent higher risk of dementia. For Alzheimer’s specifically, a moderate vitamin D deficiency carried a 69 percent increased risk of developing the disease.
|
Years ago, I read in a nutrition book that bathing after sun exposure can prevent Vitamin D from being absorbed. After exposure to sun, the Vitamin D forms on the surface of the skin. It takes up to 48 hours to be absorbed. If you shower with soap or swim in a chlorinated pool the Vitamin D will be washed from your skin before it can be absorbed. Is that true? I just googled and found many sources that say so, but nothing from a source like the New England Journal of Medicine or Harvard Medical School. I don't like to rely on places that sell products to get medical info of any sort. But I did get it out of textbook when I was in college.
I really do believe sun exposure is the ideal way to get one's Vitamin D, but I can't get it that way because I'm photosensitive. I stay out of the sun or suffer terrible burns in minutes. I have great skin for my age, but my bones were like lace until I took a big super wacking dose of prescription D3 monitored by my doctor. It took several years and several dose increases to get me into the low normal range.
My bones are much better now. But I worry more about my brain than my bones. My mother developed dementia symptoms in her early 60s. I'd like to keep my brain working for as long as I can. Bet you all do too.