Cognitive impairmentPrevention

We have not found any trials using vitamin D to reduce the risk of cognitive impairment.  However, based on the observational studies summarized in this section, it appears that maintaining higher levels of serum 25(OH)D would reduce the risk of cognitive impairment.

In line with this, a very recent cross-sectional study found that inadequate weekly vitamin D dietary intakes were associated with global cognitive impairment among almost 6,000 community-dwelling healthy older women aged 75 and older whereas recommended dietary intakes predict normal cognitive functioning1.

Based on studies of other diseases such as several types of cancer, it appears that levels should be maintained above 40 ng/mL.

Page last edited: 09 May 2011


  1. Annweiler, C. Schott, A. M. Rolland, Y. Blain, H. Herrmann, F. R. Beauchet, O. Dietary intakes of vitamin D and cognition in older women: A large population-based study. Neurology, in press.