Vitamin D and Brain Health.

2026-01-01
Advances in experimental medicine and biology 1493
- Rahnuma Ahmad
- Kona Chowdhury
- Susmita Sinha
- Mainul Haque

PubMed: 41219598
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-04357-3_5

Study Design

Type: Review

Vitamin D is widely known for its influence on the homeostasis of calcium and phosphate levels in the body and its involvement in maintaining musculoskeletal health. In its active form, 1,25-dihydroxy cholecalciferol, this vitamin has immunomodulatory effects on both the innate and adaptive immune systems. The active form of vitamin D plays a neuroprotective role in the central nervous system, highlighting its importance in maintaining brain health. Studies have noted the role of vitamin D in the formation of antioxidants, reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, lowering of oxidative stress, improvement of mitochondrial respiratory health, and slowing of the progression of neuronal damage. This vitamin may also influence development by facilitating the differentiation of cells, the expression of neurotrophic factors, the regulation of cytokines, the synthesis of neurotransmitters, intracellular calcium signaling, and the expression of genes involved in neuronal differentiation. An association has been noted between vitamin D deficiency and the risk of developing several neuronal diseases, including Parkinson's disease, headaches, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. The neuroprotective role of vitamin D suggests the potential benefit of vitamin supplementation in slowing the progression of such conditions and promoting brain health. It is essential to conduct further studies in the future to better understand the mechanisms by which vitamins affect brain health. It is also necessary to determine the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in patients with neurological diseases.

Research Insights

Vitamin D→Improved Mitochondrial Respiratory Health
Studies have noted the role of vitamin D in the formation of antioxidants, reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, lowering of oxidative stress, improvement of mitochondrial respiratory health, and slowing of the progression of neuronal damage.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Vitamin D→Reduced Oxidative Stress
Studies have noted the role of vitamin D in the formation of antioxidants, reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, lowering of oxidative stress, improvement of mitochondrial respiratory health, and slowing of the progression of neuronal damage.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Vitamin D→Reduced Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines
Studies have noted the role of vitamin D in the formation of antioxidants, reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, lowering of oxidative stress, improvement of mitochondrial respiratory health, and slowing of the progression of neuronal damage.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Vitamin D→Slowed Neuronal Damage Progression
Studies have noted the role of vitamin D in the formation of antioxidants, reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, lowering of oxidative stress, improvement of mitochondrial respiratory health, and slowing of the progression of neuronal damage.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small

Adverse Events Reported

Vitamin D→Overall tolerability
The neuroprotective role of vitamin D suggests the potential benefit of vitamin supplementation in slowing the progression of such conditions and promoting brain health.
Finding
Reported