The importance of vitamin D3 extends far beyond bone health, it is common knowledge.
In recent years, researchers have discovered an important role for vitamin D3 in the aging process—especially in the aging of the eyes.
When it comes to nutrients for eye health, most people immediately think of "vitamin A or beta-carotene." But new evidence suggests that the role and function of vitamin D3 may be more critical.
A new study from the UCL Eye Institute has found that supplementing older mice with vitamin D3 can bring surprising benefits to their eyes. In particular, these benefits occurred after just six weeks of taking the supplement. Improvements included: improved vision; reduced levels of retinal inflammation and accumulation of beta-amyloid, a marker of aging; and a significant reduction in the number of macrophages in the retina, and marked changes in morphology.
These findings suggest that the role and function of vitamin D3 are very helpful in preventing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of blindness in older adults. AMD is associated with beta-amyloid accumulation and inflammation, and vitamin D3 supplementation appears to be beneficial for both.
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