Can Brain Health Be Supported by Vitamin D-Based Supplements? A Critical Review

Abstract

This review presents recent knowledge on the neuroprotective effects of vitamin D and their usefulness as oral supplementation when combined with other molecules, such as curcumin. A critical look at the effectiveness of vitamin D in this field is also provided. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in neuroprotection and in the cognitive decline associated with aging, where vitamin D’s levels are related to the levels of several neurotrophic factors. An important role of vitamin D has also been observed in the mechanism of neuroinflammation, which is the basis of several aging conditions, including cognitive decline and neurodegeration; furthermore, the neuroprotective effect of vitamin D in the cognitive decline of aging has recently been reported. For this reason, many food supplements created for humans contain vitamin D alone or combined with other molecules with antioxidant properties. However, recent studies also explored negative consequences of the use at a high dosage of vitamin D. Vitamin D in tissues or brain cells can also modulate calbindin-D28K, parvalbumin, and calretinin, and is involved in immune function, thanks also to the combination with curcumin. Curcumin acts as a free radical scavenger and antioxidant, inhibiting lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage. In particular, curcumin is a potent immune-regulatory agent and its administration has been reported to attenuate cognitive impairments. These effects could be exploited in the future to control the mechanisms that lead to the brain decay typical of neurodegenerative diseases.

Most Effective Combination of Nutraceuticals for Improved Memory and Cognitive Performance in the House Cricket, Acheta domesticus

“…Vitamin D levels have also been linked to brain functioning [ 52 ]. This may be due to its role in neuroinflammation, which is involved in cognitive decline and neurodegeneration accompanying aging [ 53 ].…”

Vitamin D status and disability among patients with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Furthermore, the neuroprotective effect of vitamin D in the cognitive decline of aging has recently been reported. Additionally roles of vitamin D reported in several aging conditions, including cognitive decline and neurodegeration [44] . Behrens et al show that DBP levels was not different between healthy controls and patients with MS but calculated 25 (OH) vitamin D levels was lower in MS patients [45] .…”

Most Effective Combination of Nutraceuticals for Improved Memory and Cognitive Performance in the House Cricket, Acheta domesticus

“…Vitamin D levels have also been linked to brain functioning [52]. This may be due to its role in neuroinflammation, which is involved in cognitive decline and neurodegeneration accompanying aging [53].…”