The late Dr Michael Mosley, creator of The Fast 5:2 diet, championed one vitamin in particular for its potential in fending off a prevalent chronic condition. During an episode on his Just One Thing podcast show, Dr Mosley discussed the benefits of vitamin D supplements in preventing dementia with Professor David Llewellyn of Exeter University.
According to them, vitamin D aids in clearing abnormal proteins like amyloid plaques and tau from the brain, which may offer protection against dementia. Dr Mosley, who sadly passed away last year, advocated for vitamin D supplements, believing they could potentially prevent or delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, reports Surrey Live.
In a previous column for the Daily Mail, Dr Mosley shared his personal vitamin D regimen: « I take 25 mcg (1,000 IU), which is within the limits of what’s considered safe (anything under 100 mcg a day for adults or 50 mcg for children, according to the NHS). »
He added: « But closer to the sort of doses studies show you need to take to ward off infections, cancers, and maybe even dementia. »
The NHS deems anything under 100 mcg daily for adults as safe. Dr Mosley also mentioned: « I eat a lot of oily fish and eggs, both rich in vitamin D, and I also go outside for lots of walks, so my vitamin D levels should be well topped up. »
Many vitamin D supplements are reasonably priced. Boots sells 180 capsules for £4, approximately 2p per pill.
In research dating back to 2014, scientists found that people with low vitamin D levels faced a worrying 53% heightened risk of dementia, with those severely deficient at an alarming 125% increased risk. Another set of findings in a study indicated a 19% to 25% rise in risk for all three types of dementia among those lacking in this essential nutrient.
Adding to the evidence, a third study correlated high levels of vitamin D with a fall in the rates of dementia. Cutting-edge research from 2023 also suggests that vitamin D supplementation could be instrumental in preventing or delaying dementia, although more rigorous clinical trials are needed to cement these preliminary conclusions.
The warning signs of a vitamin D shortfall are evident and should not be ignored. Common signs of vitamin D deficiency include:
- Muscle pain
- Bone pain
- Increased sensitivity to pain
- A tingling, “pins-and-needles” sensation in the hands or feet
- Muscle weakness in body parts near the trunk of the body, such as the upper arms or thighs
- Waddling while walking, due to muscle weakness in the hips or legs
Dr Mosley underscored in earlier discussions that, aside from its protective role against dementia, vitamin D is pivotal for bone health, aiding the body’s ability to absorb calcium.
He particularly highlighted the UK’s dreary winter months, where daylight scarcity makes it near-impossible for people to produce adequate vitamin D naturally. In these dark times, taking supplements can significantly benefit one’s well-being.
As the cold bites and sunlight wanes during the UK’s winter season, the prominence of vitamin D soars as a guardian of bone and muscle health, potentially diminishing the risk of respiratory infections.
Public Health England (PHE) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued advice in a joint statement, stating: « Everyone is advised to take a supplement of vitamin D during winter months. »
It’s crucial to consult your GP before introducing any new over-the-counter medication into your routine. While there are promising studies suggesting vitamin D could combat dementia, it’s important to remember that more clinical trials are needed.
There isn’t a cure for dementia, but various treatments and support options are available to assist those affected. These can range from medication to non-medical therapies, as well as support groups and online communities. While having a family history of dementia can raise your chances of developing the condition, it doesn’t mean you will definitely experience it.
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