Vitamin D from sunshine could help keep dementia at bay, a study shows, and fight other diseases

Vitamin D has been known for its links to bone health and strengthened immunity; a study suggests it could also help protect the brain and lower dementia risk

While some foods naturally contain vitamin D, particularly mushrooms, most of us can get as much of this nutrient as we need from exposure to sunlight

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A new study suggests having enough vitamin D, available through sunlight exposure, may help ward off dementia and other diseases. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 4:15pm, 8 Jul 2022Updated: 7:45am, 21 Jul 2022

What does vitamin D bring to mind? Sunshine? Bone health? A boost to immunity?

Foods in supermarkets on promotion at the height of the coronavirus pandemic bore labels that boasted of their high vitamin D levels – specifically mushrooms which, exposed to ultraviolet light, deliver significant amounts of vitamin D2.

This fat-soluble vitamin has been touted in recent years as being good for us in a slew of ways, from safeguarding bone health to bolstering immunity. Laboratory studies show that vitamin D could even reduce cancer cell growth, help control infections and reduce inflammation.

A recent study suggests vitamin D could offer another huge benefit: it could help to protect the brain from deterioration and the diseases that come with that – including dementia.

Just a few minutes of sunshine a day can ensure you achieve required vitamin D levels. Photo: Shutterstock

In 1928, German chemist Adolf Windaus was awarded the Nobel Prize for his explanation of the structure of vitamin D, which could then be chemically synthesised for the first time a decade later.

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