When you think of vitamin D, your mind probably jumps to bone health, immunity, or its reputation as “the sunshine vitamin”.
But did you know that vitamin D plays a vital role in supporting your brain? From mental clarity to mood regulation, here’s why it can be a game-changer for your cognitive health.
What is Vitamin D3?
First things first, let’s clear up the difference between Vitamin D and Vitamin D3.
Vitamin D is an umbrella term for Vitamin D2 and D3. Both are fat-soluble vitamins that help your body to absorb calcium and phosphorus.
- Vitamin D2 comes from plants and fortified foods, like mushrooms and cereals.
- Vitamin D3 is the natural form your body produces from soaking up sunlight—hence the nickname, “the sunshine vitamin”.
What does Vitamin D3 do?
Vitamin D3 supports all sorts of functions in your body—from building bones, to strengthening your immune system, to keeping your heart and your head healthy.
Why take a Vitamin D3 supplement?
If you’re not getting enough sunlight, your body may struggle to produce enough vitamin D3.
Location
Vitamin D can be a problem for people living in countries like the UK, which has shorter, gloomier days in winter (and let’s face it, the rest of the year too).
Skin colour
You need to take extra care if you have dark skin, which produces less vitamin D from the same amount of sun exposure.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle can also be a factor—for example, if you’re working in an office all day, you won’t get as much natural light.
It’s quite tricky to get enough vitamin D from diet alone, so experts in the UK recommend taking a daily supplement, particularly in winter.
What are the benefits of Vitamin D3 for brain health?
Because vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, it’s best known for keeping bones healthy and strong.
But the more scientists have researched vitamin D, the more benefits they’ve uncovered for brain health.
Vitamin D supports cognitive function
The brain contains many vitamin D receptors that power critical cognitive processes, like synaptic plasticity, neuroprotection, and oxidative stress—basically, everything that keeps your memory sharp, your thinking clear, and your mood steady.
It’s perhaps unsurprising then, that multiple studies have linked low levels of vitamin D to cognitive decline.
So if you want to support your focus, memory or mental health, it’s important to monitor your vitamin D intake.
Vitamin D may protect against neurodegeneration
A vast body of research has associated vitamin D deficiency with a higher risk of neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and vascular dementia.
Vitamin D can also offer direct neuroprotective effects, such as clearing away amyloid plaques—a key marker of Alzheimer’s.
Did you know?
A large study in America showed that those who had a vitamin D deficiency were over 50% more likely to develop dementia
The evidence is pretty convincing: if you want to look after your brain as you age, it’s well worth investing in a vitamin D supplement.
Vitamin D could improve your mood
Research shows that low levels of vitamin D may contribute to depressive symptoms and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
While vitamin D deficiency doesn’t cause depression, its symptoms—mood swings, anxiety, forgetfulness—can mirror it.So if you’re feeling low, it could be a good idea to get your vitamin D levels checked. Equally, a vitamin D supplement may help regulate your mood and manage depressive symptoms, especially in the winter months.
Vitamin D supports your overall wellbeing
As we covered earlier, vitamin D3 benefits your entire body, from head to toe. And when your body feels good, so does your mind.
How to choose a Vitamin D3 supplement
If you want to unlock the benefits of vitamin D3 for your brain health and more, choose a high-quality supplement. Consider:
A vitamin D3 supplement is a small addition to your daily routine, but the long-term benefits for your brain health and overall wellbeing are huge.
Our Algae Vitamin D3 softgel capsules are derived from 100% plant-based, ethically-sourced marine algae. Expertly formulated to support your health, and bring a little extra sunshine into your life.