When it comes to the alphabetic array of vitamins, our attention span can sometimes fail to extend to the letter “D”. Yet vitamin D may be deserving of a bigger spotlight, as new research shows that it plays an important role in safeguarding us against the risk of both diabetes and dementia.

Low vitamin D levels are known to weaken bones, but did you know that they also impact all the cells in our body? This is because vitamin D is actually a steroid hormone and not a vitamin at all. When it comes to blood sugar levels, it helps keep it in balance, reducing the risk of insulin resistance which often leads to type 2 diabetes. Insulin also affects our brain signaling, so when it gets disrupted, dementia can take hold. In addition, vitamin D has a more direct link to dementia prevention through its effects in facilitating the brain’s nerve growth, increasing levels of important brain chemicals and protecting brain cells.

So how can you boost your levels of vitamin D? Firstly, to determine your current levels you can take a blood test called 25(OH)D. Next, get some of that sunshine!  Sunlight is the fuel that assists the body with vitamin D production. Dietary supplements and foods such as fatty fish, eggs, fortified milk and cereals are also sources of vitamin D. Through these simple steps you can learn to maintain optimal levels of vitamin D and help keep those two other “D” words at bay.