How Vitamin D Affects Cognitive Function & Mood, According To Research*

It's no secret that vitamin D plays an integral role in everything from immunity to bone health, but few realize it's a superstar when it comes to brain health, as well.* If you needed another reason to prioritize your vitamin D intake, here are three key ways the sunshine vitamin promotes cognitive function (and mood, too):*

In fact, research has shown that vitamin D has neuroprotective effects1, thanks to its impact on the production and release of neurotrophins (key proteins required for both the development and survival of neurons).* Additionally, vitamin D helps protect nervous tissues from oxidative stress and ensures balanced calcium levels in our blood (and cells, including the nervous system).* As it turns out, calcium is a major signaling compound inside cells and ensures neurons fire properly, which has implications for our entire body.

Adding to the list of ways vitamin D supports the aging population, Avena previously told mbg that vitamin D receptors can be found in the area of the brain that forms new memories, "which may be compelling evidence that vitamin D is related to the proper creation of new memories."*

If you're at all familiar with optimal gut health, you already know a healthy gut helps support a good mood.*

The more we learn about vitamin D, the more it becomes abundantly clear that we should all ensure we're getting enough of it. So, consider this your friendly reminder to take your daily high-quality vitamin D supplement (like mbg's vitamin D3 potency+ that delivers organic D3 and built-in absorption technology)—and get some sunshine if you can, too.