Emory Study Links 5,000 IU Vitamin D to Better Cognition in 54 At-Risk Adults
Updated
Updated · DISCOVER Magazine · Aug 20
Emory Study Links 5,000 IU Vitamin D to Better Cognition in 54 At-Risk Adults
2 articles · Updated · DISCOVER Magazine · Aug 20
Summary
A 54-person Emory study found adults with sleep disturbance and mild cognitive impairment who reported taking at least 5,000 IU of vitamin D daily scored better on cognitive testing.
Researchers used the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and said the association held after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index and education, pointing to vitamin D as a potentially modifiable factor early in cognitive decline.
No significant cognitive difference emerged between vitamin D2 and D3 users, even as the study focused on a group whose sleep problems and mild impairment can be early dementia warning signs.
The findings are preliminary: larger follow-up studies are needed, including checks for vitamin D toxicity, because current recommended upper intake levels remain below 4,000 IU a day.
The work comes as more than 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s or dementia, a total projected to nearly double by 2050.