Study shows vitamin D shortage can lead to Parkinson's disease

Published on Monday 12 July 2010 17:29

A SHORTAGE of vitamin D can lead to Parkinson's disease and mental decline in old age, new research suggests.

One 30-year study of 3,000 people revealed a three-fold higher risk of developing Parkinson's in those with low blood levels of vitamin D.

A separate investigation found low vitamin D intake was associated with a 60 per cent greater chance of suffering seriously impaired mental faculties later in life.

Both studies, published today in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine, add to growing evidence of the vitamin's importance to health.

Vitamin D is mainly generated by the action of sunlight on the skin. However, as people age their skin becomes less able to produce it.

Research suggests that, as well as strengthening bones, the vitamin also protects against cancers, heart disease and diabetes.

For the Parkinson's study, researchers in Finland recruited 3,173 men and women aged 50 to 79 who did not have the disease. Vitamin D is believed to protect the brain through antioxidant activity, regulating calcium levels, detoxification, and its effect on the immune system and nerves.

The second study, conducted by US, British and Italian scientists, assessed the mental performance of 850 people aged 65 or over living in Italy.

Dr David Llewellyn, of Exeter University, said: "This is the first study to identify a clear link between low vitamin D levels and cognitive decline."