We’ve told you about the health benefits of Vitamin D already, but now it seems Vitamin D levels may play a crucial role in the mental health and cognitive function of young individuals, according to a new study, published in Scandinavian Journal of Psychology.

Due to the presence of vitamin D receptors on the brain, researchers believe that vitamin D plays a role in cognitive function, mental health and brain development. Until now, there has not been a lot of research aimed at adolescent and Vitamin D.

When we’re young, our body goes through a lot of changes, some of which are more noticeable than others. Brain development is one of the biggest changes that happen to us, and in many ways these changes are not readily apparent. One of these changes in our cognition is the development of executive functioning. Executive functioning makes up our analytical thoughts (planning and decision making abilities). Development of Executive functioning during the early years is crucial for our later years.

The study evaluated the relationship between vitamin D supplementation and executive functioning among adolescents (ages of 13-14) over the span of 5-6 months. The participants were divided into two groups: a vitamin D group who received 1,520 IU of vitamin D per day and a placebo group. The participants completed two test of executive function before and after the study.

The study found that Vitamin D levels in the experimental group increased. The vitamin D group significantly improved performance results on both of the tests, while the placebo group did not.

Overall, the researchers concluded that those in the vitamin D group experienced improved executive functioning compared to the placebo group. These findings support the theory that vitamin D plays a role in the cognitive function and potentially the development of more intelligent adolescent individuals.

Source

BJØRN, G. et al. Linking vitamin D status, executive functioning and self-perceived mental health in adolescents through multivariate analysis: A randomized double-blind placebo control trial. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 2017.

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Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for maintaining normal calcium metabolism. Vitamin D3  (cholecalciferol) can be synthesized by humans in the skin upon exposure to ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation from sunlight, or it can be obtained from the diet. This dietary supplement helps promote the body’s absorption of calcium and phosphorous, which are essential for the development and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones. Order Now!

About Dr. Jenny:

Dr. Jenny is a strongly sensitive and seasoned naturopathic doctor and clinical research associate with an extensive background in nutritional and hormonal biochemistry. Active in community promotion of naturopathic principles and remedies and owner of AgeVital Pharmacy, Research and Wellness, located in downtown Sarasota, FL, she has been recognized for her outstanding ability in prescribing health supplements and other functional, preventative remedies by her peers, community,  and media (as seen on ABC7 – ‘The Suncoast View’, NBC – ‘DayTime’, TBN -‘A Rood Awakening,’ on CBS and the CW: Medical Cannabis: The Healing Power Of Knowledge, and a regular on iHeart Radio).

Dr. Jenny is a provider of highly individualized and dedicated patient care. With a  comprehensive knowledge of allopathic pharmacy, she has developed individual naturopathic treatment plans for her patients  to alleviate chronic and acute illnesses. A champion of the observation, “You’re not what you eat but what you absorb,” Dr. Jenny focuses on achieving overall homeostasis in the body, using a variety of techniques to facilitate the proper absorption of nutrition, the removal of harmful toxins, and the strengthening of a reliable and effective immune system. As an owner of pharmacies, she is a proponent of “test, don’t guess” and has bridged the gap between allopathic and naturopathic approaches, utilizing the very best science provided by both disciplines to achieve the maximum quality and quantity of life for her patients.  She has an excellent understanding of HIPAA Universal Precautions and patient protection policies, and is a firm believer in the benefits of effective and professional healthcare.

In a day and age when there seem to be numerous divisions in healthcare, Dr Jenny is inviting everyone to find a common ground: the best interests of the patient. Both quantity and quality of life are important. Gone are the days when physicians threw every available pill or procedure at the patient in order to stretch out a few more seconds of life, regardless of the suffering involved. Today, the goal is real healing, not just “Band-Aids for booboos.” The old goal was to treat disease, but the new goal is to heal from it. Scientific breakthroughs are occurring in leaps and bounds. It is Dr. Jenny’s passion to keep abreast of the very best that discovery has to offer and to work in tandem with those who share her vision in order to produce real  healing for the patient.

*Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. The views and nutritional advice expressed by AgeVital Pharmacy are not intended to substitute for medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician or give us a call and schedule a consultation with one of our providers..