Can vitamin D prevent Alzheimer's disease?

A new study suggests that vitamin D helps your body clear out substances in the brain that are known to cause Alzheimer's, but you need to take one important step before you start taking vitamin D supplements, says Dr. Robin Miller. Find out how to get the most brain-boosting benefits from vitamin D by watching this video.

A  animal study from Japan suggests that vitamin D may help clear the brain of amyloid beta, a toxic protein-like compound that accumulates in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.

Human Research Support

This animal study validates the results of a previous study done in human Alzheimer's patients. In the human study, vitamin D together with curcumin -- a chemical found in turmeric spice -- appeared to stimulate the immune system in a way that helped clear the brain of toxic amyloid beta. But this  animal research suggests that vitamin D alone may be able to do that job nicely. Even more amazing, the lab animals that received vitamin D were able to remove a significant amount of amyloid beta buildup in their brains, literally overnight. It seems the vitamin may somehow regulate production of transporter proteins that ferry amyloid beta across the blood-brain barrier and out of the brain. Pretty exciting stuff.

Many grown-ups lack vitamin D -- especially in the winter months. Are you ready to make sure you get your fill? Try these strategies for Alzheimer's prevention:

• Go fishing. Canned salmon supplies a whopping 530 international units (IU) of vitamin D for each 3-ounce serving. Or open the canned tuna for 360 IU of vitamin D from a 3-ounce serving and indulge in a little brain food at lunch or dinner.
• Seek fortification. Grab the orange juice that's been fortified with vitamin D and you'll add an additional 100 IU of the sunshine vitamin to your day with each cup you drink.
• Crack an egg. If you like scrambled eggs, you'll garner 20–26 IU of vitamin D per large egg.

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