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Vitamin D, nervous system and aging
P Tuohimaa1, T Keisala, A Minasyan
1Medical School, University of Tampere, 33014 Tampere, Finland. pentti.tuohimaa@uta.fi
Psychoneuroendocrinology
|August 8, 2009
Summary
Vitamin D(3) plays a crucial role in central nervous system (CNS) health. Insufficient vitamin D is linked to aging, chronic diseases, and CNS disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Gerontology
Background:
- The vitamin D(3) endocrine system comprises three active calcipherol hormones: calcidiol (25OHD(3)), 1alpha-calcitriol (1alpha,25(OH)2D(3)), and 24-calcitriol (24,25(OH)2D(3)).
- Low serum calcidiol is associated with increased risk of aging-related diseases like osteoporosis, cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues.
- Vitamin D insufficiency is linked to a higher risk of central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of vitamin D(3) and its active metabolites in the CNS.
- To explore the connection between the vitamin D(3) endocrine system, nervous system pathologies, and aging.
Main Methods:
- Mini-review of existing literature on vitamin D(3) and the CNS.
- Analysis of clinical data and animal studies regarding vitamin D insufficiency and CNS function.
- Discussion of the impact of calcipherol hormones on aging and disease.
Main Results:
- Low serum calcidiol concentrations correlate with an increased risk of numerous chronic, aging-related diseases.
- A U-shaped response curve is observed for many diseases and aging-related physiological changes in relation to serum calcidiol levels.
- Vitamin D insufficiency is associated with abnormal CNS development and function, potentially leading to premature aging of the CNS.
Conclusions:
- Imbalances in the vitamin D calcipherol system contribute to abnormal CNS function.
- Vitamin D(3) plays a significant role in maintaining CNS health and preventing age-related neurological decline.
- Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels may be crucial for mitigating the risk of CNS pathologies and promoting healthy aging.
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