Boosting your vitamin D levels may help shield you from Parkinson's disease, according to a recently published study.
For the study, researchers looked at data on 3,173 older adults, 50 of whom had Parkinson's (a motor system disorder that results from the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells). Results revealed that study members with the highest vitamin D levels had a 65 percent lower risk of developing Parkinson's (compared to those with the lowest vitamin D levels). It's possible that running low on vitamin D could lead to a chronic loss of dopamine-producing brain cells, the study's authors suggest.
Although there's no known way to prevent Parkinson's disease, some research suggests that getting your fill of omega-3 fatty acids (a type of healthy fat available in supplement form and found naturally in oily fish like salmon and sardines) may also help reduce your Parkinson's risk.
It makes sense but are people going to take extra vitamin D to prevent Parkinson’s? I know that I certainly will after working with people with the disease.It’s not like heart disease where there is proof that it can run in the family, so therefore people do readily take precautions to lower the risks.
Interesting study. It seems to me why not get Vitamin D levels checked (and supplement as needed) whether it be preventative for Parkinson’s, or any other of the other preventative health benefits of optimal Vitamin D levels?
Also a question: what do you think about the studies associating pesticide exposure with Parkinson risk?