Vitamin D, necessary for your brain

• April 28, 2024

Vitamin D is a hormone with multiple functions in the human body, such as facilitating the absorption of calcium for bone health and the central nervous system, so it is essential for proper neurodevelopment from childhood, explains the doctor. Mario Flores, Head of the Department of Epidemiology of Nutrition of the National Institute of Public Health (INSP).

In accordance with Eduardo Álvarez, representative in Mexico of the Mead Johnson Pediatric Nutrition Institute and Regional Medical Director of Mead Johnson Nutrition In our country, one out of every three children between 1 and 11 years of age does not have the benefits of all the functions of vitamin D, due to their deficiency.

Among the functions of vitamin D are the strengthening of defenses and the immune system, essential during the first years of life, as well as being implicit in several regions of the brain related to cognitive abilities, language development and neuronal regeneration. He is also a member of the World Public Health Nutrition Association, Mario Flores.

In addition to helping to prevent cancers, such as breast and pancreas, maintaining adequate levels can prevent the risk of other chronic-degenerative diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension, as well as asthma, allergies, osteoporosis and anemia.

To ensure adequate vitamin D consumption, you should consume foods rich in this vitamin or supplements previously indicated by a pediatrician or specialist since childhood. Additionally, exposure to the sun is recommended moderately.

The foods that contain it and are found in nature include mainly salmon, sardines, liver, fish oils, egg yolks and fortified milk, according to Cecilia García, Executive Director of ILSI Mexico and professor of the degree in Nutrition of the Universidad Iberoamericana.

Video Medicine: Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis – Vitamin D (April 2024).