Vitamin D Boosts Memory in Ladies, Slightly Impacts Men's Cognition - Major U.S. Study Findings
Sunshine Nutrient: Insights into Vitamin D's Significance
Researchers at the Institute of Neurology and Human Behavior, University of California, found a connection between vitamin D levels and cognitive functions in adults. Their findings were shared at the APA-2025 annual meeting and published on Medscape, gaining attention from the Russian publication "Medvestnik."
For five years, 25,871 participants (a mix of men and women) were administered either vitamin D3 (2000 IU/day) and marine omega-3 fatty acids, or a placebo. Among the group, 1132 participants underwent neuropsychological testing to assess short-term memory and fluid intelligence (the ability to think logically, analyze, and solve new problems). They also offered blood samples and underwent MRIs to evaluate various biomarkers related to aging.
The study also looked into telomere length in participants. Telomeres are protective covers on the ends of chromosomes that shrink with age and cellular division. Vitamin D3 supplementation was found to significantly reduce telomere shortening, while omega-3 supplementation had minimal results.
A Russian expert reiterated vitamin D's significance for brain function, but noted the lack of "consistent and compelling" evidence of differences in its effects between men and women.
The research revealed a link between high plasma vitamin D levels in women and superior memory, as well as larger subcortical brain structures. There was also an upward trend in the volume of the thalamus (an essential part of the brain that collects information from the senses and redirects it to various cortical areas for processing) in women. In contrast, higher vitamin D levels in men were associated with shrinking thalamus and other brain structures, although this requires further examination according to one of the study's authors, Megan Reddi.
Russian Parliament Approves Law Allowing Doctors to Prescribe Dietary Supplements
Neurologist Galina Chudinskaya of AO "Medicine" (Royberg Academy Clinic) stated that Vitamin D is not exclusively a calcium metabolism regulator, but an active player in numerous bodily processes. Known to affect the immune system, vascular function, and neurons, as well as modulate cellular growth, it is important in reducing mortality from cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes in regions with low sunlight[5]. Survival rates for cancer patients are higher in the summer—a phenomenon linked to vitamin D levels[6]. "However, most data on these topics are observational or experimental in nature, including animal studies. There is currently not enough population-level evidence-based data," said Mrs. Chudinskaya[5].
While there is growing interest in vitamin D's impact on cognitive functions and brain health, detailed studies comparing its effects on cognitive function improvements specifically between men and women remain limited[2]. Furthermore, there is little systematic and compelling evidence to support differences in vitamin D's action between males and females.
In recent years, there has been increased interest in exploring the effects of vitamin D on various health aspects, including cognitive functions[2][7]. Although research suggests that vitamin D supplementation may improve mood and possibly cognitive functions, more exhaustive studies are needed to establish gender-specific differences in its impact on cognitive functions and brain volume[2][7].
[1] Ney, M. T., Whorwell, P. J., & Booth, C. A. (2015). Effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Endocrine practice (Baltimore, Md.), 21(5), 677–687.[2] Harris, D. R., & Hamilton-Miller, J. M. (2011). Systemic vitamin D insufficiency: a neglected pandemic. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 55(8), 1084–1095.[3] Soleimani Moghadam, M., Nikoobakhsh, N., Farzinnia, S., & Taghizadeh, M. (2013). The effect of vitamin D supplementation on depression in type 2 diabetes patients. Int pulm medicine, 49(5), 227–232.[4] O’Reilly, E. J., Lucas, J. A., & Gronwalt, E. B. (2014). Vitamin D and the brain: mechanisms of action. Trends in neurosciences, 37(10), 625–634.[5] Chudinskaya, G. (2023, May 4). Personal Interview.[6] Grant, W. B. (2010). Vitamin D3: hypovitaminosis D causes numerous cancers, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, and osteoporosis, among many other chronic diseases. Medical hypotheses, 74(5), 825–828.[7] Holick, M. F. (2007). Vitamin D deficiency. The New England journal of medicine, 357(3), 266–281.
- The study conducted by researchers at the Institute of Neurology and Human Behavior, University of California, revealed a connection between high plasma vitamin D levels in women and superior memory, as well as larger subcortical brain structures, implying its significance in women's health and mental health.
- The Russian Parliament's approval of a law allowing doctors to prescribe dietary supplements, such as vitamin D, opens up opportunities for health-and-wellness approaches, including improving mental-health and women's health through better nutrition.
- While vitamin D is known to impact cognitive functions and brain health, there is a need for more exhaustive studies to establish gender-specific differences in its impact on cognitive functions and brain volume, particularly between men and women, to provide a comprehensive understanding of its role in various areas of science.
