Introduction:

Vitamin D3 is naturally produced by the skin upon exposure, and it can also be obtained through diet and supplements (Arnarson, 2018). This vitamin can cross the blood-brain barrier, which is significant in its impact on maintaining healthy brain function. A deficiency in vitamin D3, which is common with aging and in certain regions in the world, has been linked to cognitive decline that is associated with the development of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Dementia (Shytle & Bickford, 2009). Vitamin D3 receptors are widely dispersed in the brain, and therefore this supplement has numerous functions in the brain; for example, it modulates neurotransmitter synthesis, regulates synaptic plasticity, and maintains calcium homeostasis (Anjum I. et al., 2018). Along with its neuroprotective properties, this vitamin has antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects that could potentially be utilized in reducing the severity of and protecting against infections (Hribar et al., 2020). With more research and studies, this supplement looks promising in treating cognitive impairments and protecting against viral illnesses in the future.

Future Research

●  Understand the mechanisms as to how vitamin D deficiency affects synaptic plasticity and cognitive impairments

●  Conduct clinical trials to see how vitamin D3 can improve cognitive impairments in patients with neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Schizophrenia

●  Research the relationship between vitamin D3 and the ACE2 receptor, & how this may affect COVID-19 pathogenesis

●  Research how vitamin D3 may impact working and short-term memory

●  Conduct more large-scale studies examining vitamin D3’s impact on respiratory tract illnesses,

such as influenza

References

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https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2018/ss/new-way-vitamin-d-protects-the-brain

Hribar, C. A., Cobbold, P. H., & Church, F. C. (2020). Potential Role of Vitamin D in the Elderly to Resist COVID-19 and to Slow Progression of Parkinson’s Disease. Brain Sciences, 10(5), 284. doi:10.3390/brainsci10050284

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https://drjockers.com/sunlight-vitamin-d3-brain-health/

Mayne, P. E., & Burne, T. H. (2019). Vitamin D in Synaptic Plasticity, Cognitive Function, and Neuropsychiatric Illness. Trends in Neurosciences, 42(4), 293-306. doi:10.1016/j.tins.2019.01.003

Mayne, P. E., & Burne, T. H. (2019, February 19). Vitamin D in Synaptic Plasticity, Cognitive Function, and Neuropsychiatric Illness [Digital image]. Retrieved June 24, 2020, from https://marlin-prod.literatumonline.com/cms/attachment/db338534-fee7-4a36-9f37-11921cedfa74/gr1.jpg

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