Dr Michael Mosley, the health expert behind The Fast 5:2 diet, highly praised one particular vitamin for its potential to ward off a common chronic disease. On his Just One Thing podcast show, Dr Mosley discussed the benefits of vitamin D supplements to help protect against dementia with professor David Llewellyn from Exeter University.
They said that vitamin D helps clear abnormal proteins, such as amyloid plaques and tau, from the brain, which may help protect you from dementia. Dr Mosley, who sadly died last year, advocated vitamin D supplements, saying they may help prevent or delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Previously sharing his personal approach to taking vitamin D in his Daily Mail column, the expert said: “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 ).
“But closer to the sort of doses studies show you need to take to ward off infections, cancers, and maybe even dementia.” The NHS says anything under 100 mcg daily for adults is considered safe.
Dr Mosley also added: “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 affordable – Boots sells 180 capsules for £4, which is around 2p per pill.
Video Loading
Video Unavailable
Click to play
Tap to play
The video will auto-play soon8Cancel
Play now
In a study conducted in 2014, researchers discovered that individuals with low levels of vitamin D faced a 53% higher risk of developing dementia, while those with severe deficiencies had a staggering 125% increased risk.
A different study revealed that individuals with a vitamin D deficiency faced a 19% to 25% higher risk of experiencing all three types of dementia. In a separate study, higher levels of vitamin D exposure were linked to a reduced rate of dementia occurrence.
One study conducted in 2023 indicates that vitamin D supplements might help prevent or postpone dementia. However, further clinical trials are necessary to verify these findings.
Boots sells 180 capsules for £4, which is around 2p per pill (stock image)
Symptoms 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 also previously highlighted that vitamin D helps maintain bone health by enhancing calcium absorption in the body. During the winter months in the UK, days are short, and there isn’t enough sunlight for most people to get the vitamin D needed. Taking vitamin D supplements could greatly impact your health.
Vitamin D plays a crucial role during the winter months. It supports the health of bones and muscles and might also lower the chances of respiratory infections. A statement by Public Health England (PHE) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) reads: “Everyone is advised to take a supplement of vitamin D during winter months.”
Always speak to your doctor first before adding any new over-the-counter medication to your diet. It is also important to note that while various studies on the power vitamin D may have against dementia show promising results, further clinical trials are needed.
What is early onset dementia?
Early onset dementia, often referred to as young-onset dementia, is a condition characterised by the appearance of dementia symptoms before the age of 65. These symptoms can differ widely among individuals and may include various cognitive and behavioural changes.
- Memory loss: Forgetting important things, especially new information or dates
- Confusion: Getting lost in familiar places or being confused about time and place
- Difficulty communicating: Having trouble finding the right word or following a conversation
- Visual difficulties: Having trouble judging distances or seeing what’s right in front of you
- Mood changes: Becoming more anxious, sad, or irritable, or withdrawing from social situations
- Personality changes: Developing apathy or depression
- Difficulty with daily tasks: Having trouble carrying out familiar tasks, like keeping track of bills or following a recipe