Latest news with #vitaminD
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
About a third of pregnant women in the US lack sufficient vitamin D to support healthy pregnancies − new research
Children whose mothers had higher vitamin D levels during pregnancy scored better on tests of memory, attention and problem-solving skills at ages 7 to 12 compared with those whose mothers had lower levels. That is a key finding of a new peer-reviewed study that my colleagues and I published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. While vitamin D has long been known for its role in maintaining bone health, scientists have since uncovered its importance in regulating immune function, reducing inflammation and protecting the nervous system. Now, growing evidence – including our new findings – suggest it may also support brain development beginning in the womb. My team and I found that the link between prenatal vitamin D levels and childhood cognition was strongest among Black families, who also face higher rates of vitamin D deficiency. This suggests that vitamin D supplementation may be a promising, low-cost strategy to support brain development while reducing racial disparities. Our study also suggested that vitamin D levels early in pregnancy may be most important for childhood cognitive development, highlighting the importance of early action by health care providers. We analyzed more than 900 mother-child pairs across the U.S. who participated in a large national study called ECHO, short for Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes. We measured vitamin D in the mothers' blood during pregnancy and assessed children's cognitive abilities using a standardized test battery. We also accounted for other important factors that shape childhood development such as the mother's education, neighborhood conditions and the child's age and sex. This new study builds on our earlier findings that higher vitamin D levels during pregnancy are linked to higher IQ in early childhood and with reduced behavioral problems in middle childhood. Collectively, these studies suggest that vitamin D plays a crucial role in brain development during pregnancy, with lasting benefits for children's cognitive and behavioral outcomes. Why it matters Vitamin D deficiency is a common global problem. In the U.S., about 42% of adults have vitamin D levels below 20 nanograms per milliliter, or ng/ml, a commonly used cutoff for deficiency. About a third of U.S. pregnant women are deficient, and the rates are even higher among Black pregnant women, with 80% found to be deficient. This racial difference is partly due to differences in skin pigmentation, as melanin pigment reduces the skin's ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight. Although we can get vitamin D both from sun exposure and our diets, deficiency is common because these sources don't meet everyone's needs. Sunlight isn't always a reliable source, especially for people with darker skin, those living in northern climates or those who often wear sunscreen or sun-protective clothing. Natural food sources such as fatty fish, egg yolks and certain mushrooms contain some vitamin D, and fortified products such as milk and breakfast cereals help, but not everyone eats enough of these foods to maintain healthy vitamin D levels. That's why supplements are often necessary and are recommended in many cases by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Although current guidelines recommend that pregnant women consume 600 international units, or IUs, of vitamin D daily, higher doses of at least 1,000 to 2,000 IU are often needed to correct deficiency. On average, U.S. women consume only 168 IU from food and beverages, and many prenatal vitamins provide just 400 IU. This highlights an important opportunity for clinicians to improve screening and support around vitamin D supplementation both before and during pregnancy. If a simple, low-cost strategy such as prenatal vitamin D supplementation can help support brain development, it may yield lasting benefits for children. Long-term studies have shown that higher cognitive scores in childhood are linked to better memory and reasoning in older age, as well as longer lifespan. What still isn't known While our studies have linked higher vitamin D levels in pregnancy to improved cognitive and behavioral development in children, we cannot yet prove that vitamin D is the direct cause. Therefore, studies called randomized controlled trials – the gold standard of research – are needed to confirm these findings and determine how best to translate them into clinical practice. These studies will be essential for determining the optimal target levels for vitamin D to support brain development in pregnancy. The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Melissa Melough, University of Delaware Read more: Prenatal supplements fall woefully short in providing crucial nutrition during pregnancy – and most women don't even know it Prenatal supplements largely lack the recommended amount of omega-3 fatty acids to help prevent preterm birth − new research Dietary supplements and protein powders fall under a 'wild west' of products that necessitate caveats and caution Melissa Melough receives funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Just a small daily dose of a popular supplement slashes dementia risk
A severe lack of vitamin D could dramatically raise your chances of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease, according to a groundbreaking new study. Researchers analyzed data from 16 major studies involving thousands of people and found that those with low vitamin D levels faced a significantly increased risk of cognitive decline. The study revealed that people with levels below 20 ng/ml, which is recommended by doctors were about 33 percent more likely to develop dementia or Alzheimer's. But those with even lower levels, under 10 ng/ml, had an even greater risk, nearly 50 percent higher for dementia and 51 percent higher for Alzheimer's. Scientists think that low vitamin D might affect the brain by disturbing calcium balance in nerve cells, which can cause brain aging and damage. Vitamin D helps the brain by removing harmful proteins linked to Alzheimer's, regulating calcium in nerve cells, and protecting brain cells from damage. Experts say the findings highlight the importance of maintaining healthy vitamin D levels, especially in older adults, who are most vulnerable to both deficiency and cognitive disorders. While the research doesn't prove that vitamin D supplements will prevent dementia, it strongly suggests that avoiding deficiency could be a crucial step in protecting your brain. Researchers conducted a meta-analysis, combining data from 16 previous studies, including 12 long-term cohort studies and 4 cross-sectional studies. The goal was to better understand how vitamin D levels affect the likelihood of cognitive decline. Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common forms of dementia and mostly affects adults over the age of 65. It is believed to be caused by the development of toxic amyloid and beta proteins in the brain, which can accumulate in the brain and damage cells responsible for memory. Amyloid protein molecules stick together in brain cells, forming clumps called plaques. While tau proteins twist together in fiber-like strands called tangles. The plaques and tangles block the ability of the brain's neurons to send electrical and chemical signals back and forth. Over time, this disruption causes permanent damage in the brain that leads to Alzheimer's disease and dementia, causing patients to lose their ability to speak, care for themselves or even respond to the world around them. About 7million people in the US 65 and older live with the condition and over 100,00 die from it annually. Leading health experts recommend taking 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 - priced at 20 cents per capsule or $17.99 for 90 - every day The Alzheimer's Association estimates that by 2050, nearly 13 million Americans will be living with the disease. While there is no clear cause of the Alzheimer's disease, experts believe it can develop due to genetic mutations and lifestyle choices, such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and social isolation. Additional studies have also shown that Vitamin D provides protection to the brain cells, regulates nerve growth as well as genes important for brain function. Typically, the body makes vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin or absorbs it from foods such as milk, egg yolks, beef liver, mushrooms and fatty fishes like salmon and mackerel. Experts suggest that having a vitamin D level of 20 nanograms/ milliliter (mg/ml) in the blood or higher is adequate for good bone health and anything below 20ng/ml is considered a deficiency. But despite the critical role it plays, nearly 40 percent of adults are Vitamin D deficient, meaning they are more likely to develop conditions such as osteoporosis (fragile bones), heart problems and Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, it also aids the function of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which play vital roles in overall mood, cognition and behavior. Therefore, a deficiency can damage the cell and nerve growth process in the brain which can cause a decline in cognitive abilities, including executive functions like paying attention and processing information. Brain cell and nerve damage can also contribute to problems in the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for memory formation, which in turn can impair communication between brain regions as well as the brain and rest of the body. Vitamin D deficiency can manifest in symptoms similar to depression, such as low mood, fatigue and loss of interest in activities - all of which are major contributors to the development of dementia. However, taking regular vitamin D supplements can help maintain healthy levels of the vitamin in the body which can help protection brain cells, contribute to brain development and maintain cognitive function. Vitamin D supplements can also help reduce oxidative stress in the brain, described as an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body that leads to cell damage and various neurological conditions. Furthermore, Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties that can help slow down cognitive decline in older adults. Apart from capsules, Vitamin D levels in the blood can also be increased by eating consuming foods such as fatty fish and milk while also spending more time in the sun.
Fast Company
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Fast Company
Jack Dorsey's new Sun Day app tells you exactly how long to tan before you burn
Twitter cofounder Jack Dorsey is back with a new app that tracks sun exposure and vitamin D levels. Sun Day uses location-based data to show the current UV index, the day's high, and additional details like cloud cover, sunrise, and sunset times. Users can choose their skin type from six options and indicate their clothing, such as 'light (shorts & t-shirt)', then manually toggle when they're in or out of the sun. Based on this input, the app calculates how long you can safely expose your skin before it begins to burn. That's an especially helpful feature for those like Dorsey, who mentioned in an X thread that he does not actually use sunscreen. no — jack (@jack) July 13, 2025 The app also tracks a user's estimated vitamin D intake while outdoors. After tapping the 'Track UV exposure' button to start a session, the app shows how much vitamin D was absorbed once the session ends. In future updates, additional factors like height, weight, and actual vitamin D blood levels may be included to improve the app's accuracy. This marks the second new app Dorsey has launched in a week. But this one may especially appeal to Gen Z, whose tanning obsession has sparked a trend of tracking UV exposure to optimize time spent basking in the sun. In 2025, the importance of sunscreen isn't lost on most. Google searches for 'best anti-ageing sunscreen' and 'UV damage prevention' have more than doubled over the past two years. Yet on TikTok and Instagram, tanning is back in vogue. Girls flaunt their bikini strap marks, share their tanning routines, and even create sun tattoos (aka skin damage). Some are faking it using blush, bronzer, or spray tans to mimic the sunkissed, or sunburnt, look. Others track the UV index to find the 'best' time to tan.
CNET
15-07-2025
- Health
- CNET
You Need Sunlight More Than You Think. 5 Surprising Ways the Sun Can Boost Your Health
Summer is in full swing, which means many of us are spending plenty of time soaking in the sun. The best activities -- like getting gelato or hanging out in the park -- are generally reserved for the warm weather. But that's not the only reason you should ensure you're getting outside this summer. There are tangible health benefits that go along with sun exposure. But remember: It's important to be mindful of UV rays and heat exposure. Read on to learn how the sun benefits your health and what precautions you should take to ensure you're enjoying the summer safely. How much sunlight do you need? The amount of sunlight a person needs varies based on several factors, including skin pigmentation, location and age. Even with the differences, Dr. David Johnson, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of RedliteX, said, "You just need 10 to 30 minutes of sun a couple of times a week. You don't need to spend hours out there." That's not to say you can't spend more time outside. If you do, wearing sunscreen to protect your skin is essential. Your skin is the body's biggest organ, so don't forget to take care of it. Read more: We Found the Best Facial Sunscreens After Testing 87 Products 5 unexpected ways sunlight can help your health Helps you hit your vitamin D needs Vitamin D is essential for several bodily functions like regulating blood pressure, the immune system and blood sugar. It also contributes to your bone and muscle health. Sun exposure can help your body boost vitamin D production through biochemical reactions. "UVB rays from the sun convert a compound in the skin to vitamin D3, which is then processed in the liver and kidneys to become active vitamin D (calcitriol)," said Dr. Ryan Sultan, a psychiatrist at Integrative Psych. While the sun is a great option for passive vitamin D, it's worth noting that most people get their vitamin D from foods or supplements. I recommend the Nature Made Vitamin D3 dietary supplement if you're looking for a cheap and dependable supplement; it's what I take for low vitamin D. FreshSplash/Getty Images It helps regulate sleep Our biological clock, also called the circadian rhythm, is regulated by sunlight. How that clock works all comes down to melatonin, the sleep hormone. When the sun is up, the melatonin in our brains is suppressed, so we are alert and awake. As the sun goes down, the brain releases melatonin, and we start to feel tired. "Without this clock, nearly every physiological and psychological process in our body becomes dysregulated," said Sultan. As Sultan points out, an aligned biological clock regulates mood and supports learning and memory. Misalignment can contribute to mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Our biological clocks can easily get thrown off because we no longer live solely by the sun. Electricity and blue lights from electronics can push off the release of melatonin, making it difficult to fall asleep. Johnson recommends people get 10 to 15 minutes outside in the morning to get their biological clocks back on track. Boosts your mood Another reason you should prioritize sunlight is that it can support your mental health by regulating your mood. Sunlight can increase the levels of serotonin production in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that acts as a hormone, often called the "feel-good" chemical. We feel emotionally stable and happy when serotonin levels are where they should be. When they're low, your risk of experiencing depression or depressive symptoms increases. Sultan tells his patients to get outside for a morning walk. "It's motivating to start your day knowing you're doing something good for your mental and physical health. Sunlight is nature's antidepressant." It may help skin disorder symptoms Sunlight can also help reduce symptoms of skin conditions, like eczema. This happens partly because it helps make vitamin D, which is essential for reducing inflammation. Eczema is a chronic condition marked by dry or scaly skin, itchiness and redness. Flare-ups happen because your immune system overreacts to stimuli or allergens, which results in inflammation in the body that manifests as irritated patches of skin. Sunlight can help other skin conditions, too. "Small, secure amounts of sun can also calm the immune system. In people with skin diseases like psoriasis or vitiligo, this can mean fewer flares," said Johnson. Getting sunlight may help your symptoms. However, it's not a replacement for regular treatment methods, and you should still be careful about how long you're outside. Sun exposure can be beneficial, but only briefly and only if you protect your skin while getting it. Read more: 8 Best Products for Eczema with the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance Connect Images/Kills bacteria Sunlight can also help protect you from bacteria and viruses lurking in your home. UV rays kill bacteria and viruses by damaging the DNA of the virus or bacteria, which stops it from being able to replicate and spread. This helps minimize the spread of illness and improve air quality. One study found that rooms exposed to sunlight had about half the bacteria that dark rooms did. So, if you or someone in your household has been sick lately, open the blinds and let one of nature's most potent cleaning agents inside. You can also add air purifiers to your home to further reduce the amount of airborne particles like dust and pet dander. I like the Levoit air purifier as a budget choice that can make a difference. How to enjoy the sun safely Sunlight can benefit your health in several ways, like boosting your vitamin D production, easing skin condition flare-ups and boosting your moods. However, there is a thing as getting too much sunlight, especially during the summer when temperatures are high. According to the FDA, the sun's UV rays are the most powerful, which means you're most vulnerable to sunburn between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. You'll want to avoid sunburns as much as possible because they increase your lifetime risk of developing skin cancer. Keep these sun safety tips in mind:
Gizmodo
14-07-2025
- Gizmodo
Jack Dorsey Drops His Second New App in a Week
Jack Dorsey is shipping. On Sunday, the Twitter co-founder shared a link on X (formerly Twitter) to a new app called Sun Day, which he claims helps users track their vitamin D intake. It's the second new app he's debuted in a week, and it's all thanks to the help of AI. Sun Day calculates how long users can safely soak up the sun before burning their skin using the UV index of the user's location, cloud cover, sunrise and sunset times, skin tone, and even what kind of clothes they're wearing. This feature is no doubt helpful to people like Dorsey, who casually mentions later in the thread that he does not use sunscreen. The app also tracks a user's time outdoors to supposedly estimate how much vitamin D they're absorbing. This is based on 'UV exposure using a multi-factor model based on scientific research,' according to the app's GitHub page. Just how accurate that model is remains unclear. Future updates will improve calculations with factors like height, weight, and the user's actual vitamin D blood levels. For now, anyone who is curious can try Sun Day themselves on iOS via TestFlight or poke around its code on GitHub. Like Dorsey's other recent 'weekend project,' BitChat, Sun Day was built using Goose, the AI coding assistant developed by Block, Dorsey's payments company. And both projects are part of a broader trend Dorsey seems into right now, 'vibe coding.' Vibe coding is a newish approach where developers rely heavily on AI assistants to generate and debug code using natural language prompts. This allows developers to focus more on the overall 'vibe' of what they're trying to accomplish with an app rather than the technical specifics of its code. The previous Sunday, Dorsey announced the beta launch of BitChat, a messaging app built for peer-to-peer conversations over Bluetooth mesh networks instead of the internet that does not require any phone numbers, emails, or any permanent IDs to function. '[B]itchat addresses the need for resilient, private communication that doesn't depend on centralized infrastructure,' Dorsey explained in a white paper published to his GitHub page. 'By leveraging Bluetooth Low Energy mesh networking, bitchat enables direct peer-to-peer messaging within physical proximity, with automatic message relay extending the effective range beyond direct Bluetooth connections.' But BitChat has already run into skepticism. In a recent blog post, Supernetworks CEO Alex Radocea pointed out a major flaw: the app does not currently have any real way to verify who a user is talking to. 'In cryptography, details matter,' Radocea wrote. 'A protocol that has the right vibes can have fundamental substance flaws that compromise everything it claims to protect.' Since the blog post, the app's GitHub page has added a warning stating that the app 'has not received external security review and may contain vulnerabilities and does not necessarily meet its stated security goals.' It's just a reminder that vibecoding might be a way for developers to brute-force their way to a functional product, but users might want to think twice before installing these apps and taking on the potential security risks.
