How Vitamin D Protects Your Brain from Parkinson's - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Vitamin D may play a protective role in Parkinson's disease, with clinical trials showing improvements in balance and mobility for patients taking supplements of 1,000 to 10,000 IU daily The "sunshine vitamin" has neuroprotective effects in the brain, particularly in a key area affected by Parkinson's that helps produce dopamine Vitamin D deficiency is common in Parkinson's patients and contributes to disease progression, as this nutrient helps regulate inflammation and protects brain cells from damage Sunlight is the optimal source of vitamin D; ideally get daily exposure until just before your skin turns slightly pink — though those with darker skin need longer exposure times If sun exposure is limited, vitamin D supplements are useful to help maintain optimal levels (60 to 80 ng/mL); take supplements with healthy fats and monitor your levels with regular blood tests