Vitamin D — from sunlight and added to milk and other fortified foods — has been shown to boost brain power and may slow aging, in new research involving mice.
The study, published online in the journal
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found mice given daily doses of the vitamin where able to navigate a difficult water maze better than those who received lower levels,
Medical Xpress reports.
Nada Porter, a biomedical pharmacologist at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, said the findings suggest vitamin D may help brain cells receive and process signals in ways that are connected with memory making and recall.
"This process is like restocking shelves in grocery stores," said Porter.
The improvements in memory were associated with a level of a vitamin D that is about 50 percent higher than currently recommended by the Institute of Medicine to maintain healthy bones, but in line with what other experts recommend, according to Porter.
The vast majority of the vitamin D in our bodies is created when skin is exposed to UV light from the sun. Some foods, such as milk, are supplemented with the vitamin.
The study makes no recommendation on vitamin D dosages in humans.
"Many factors influence vitamin D levels, and it's best for individuals to consult with their doctors before undertaking a specific vitamin D regimen," Porter said.
© 2026 NewsmaxHealth. All rights reserved.