#Vitamind

A growing body of research suggests vitamin D may influence gut health, with potential implications for dietary guidance in Thailand and beyond. While the nutrient is best known for supporting calcium absorption and bone health, emerging studies indicate it also affects the gut’s cellular structure and immune defenses.

Vitamin D helps protect the intestinal barrier. Receptors for vitamin D in the gut appear to support the lining that keeps harmful pathogens out while allowing nutrient absorption. Strengthening this barrier may reduce gut permeability, sometimes called “leaky gut,” which has been linked to various inflammatory conditions. Early findings suggest vitamin D supplementation can encourage tighter junctions between gut cells, contributing to better digestive health.

A new study suggests vitamin D supplementation may cut dementia risk, offering a potential addition to Thailand’s cognitive health strategy. The research tracked nearly 12,500 older adults who were dementia-free at baseline and found that those taking vitamin D had about 40 percent lower incidence of dementia than non-users. The findings appear in a respected neurology journal and add to growing evidence on brain health and aging.

For Thailand, where the older population is expanding, these insights are timely. Vitamin D could play a role in a broader public health approach to cognitive well-being, especially as lifestyle shifts and air quality concerns influence health outcomes. Thai healthcare experts note that aging, combined with urban living and environmental factors, poses rising demands on the health system.