Review Article Confirms Importance of Vitamin D to Proper Brain Function

A recent review article sited evidence supporting the theory that vitamin D is critical to proper brain development and function.

Vitamin D has long been known for its influence on bone development. More recently, however, vitamin D has been found to be involved in differentiation of many types of tissues during development and in proper functioning of the immune system.

Now, investigators at Children's Hospital & Research Center (Oakland, CA, USA) have combed the scientific literature for data linking vitamin D to brain development and function. The reviewers found that there have been few studies in animals or humans carried out to examine the effect of vitamin D on brain function. Nonetheless, they were able to cite evidence alluding to the wide distribution of vitamin D receptors throughout the brain. They also found reports that discussed vitamin D's ability to affect proteins in the brain known to be directly involved in learning and memory, motor control, and possibly even maternal and social behavior.

Ultimately the authors wrote in the April 2008 edition of the FASEB Journal that, There is ample biological evidence to suggest an important role for vitamin D in brain development and function. However, direct effects of vitamin D inadequacy on cognition/behavior in human or rodent systems appear to be subtle. Despite residual uncertainty, recommendations for vitamin D supplementation of at-risk groups, including nursing infants, the elderly, and African-Americans appear warranted to ensure adequacy.


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