Renowned nutrition expert Dr. Michael Mosley has unveiled his daily regimen of a low-cost supplement, priced at just 2 pence, aimed at safeguarding against dementia and cancer. The 66-year-old pioneer behind the 5:2 and Fast 800 diets has embraced the consumption of Vitamin D due to its pivotal health benefits, particularly for individuals advancing in age.
In his column for the Daily Mail, Dr. Mosley, a staunch advocate for holistic nutrition, acknowledged his typical aversion to supplements, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded diet. However, he underscored the diminishing ability of the body to absorb Vitamin D with age, highlighting its crucial role in disease prevention, including dementia and reducing colon cancer risk.
While previously reserving Vitamin D supplementation for the winter months when sunlight exposure is limited, Dr. Mosley has opted to incorporate it into his daily routine year-round. This decision aligns with the endorsement by the NHS for daily Vitamin D intake.
A modest investment of £8.99 for a pack of 400 pills translates to a nominal daily cost of approximately 2 pence per pill. Dr. Mosley shared his dietary habits rich in oily fish and eggs, along with regular outdoor activities, yet emphasized the necessity of additional supplementation, stating, “This year I am going to keep taking those supplements.”
Justifying his choice, Dr. Mosley referenced aging research findings, elucidating the decline in the body’s efficiency in Vitamin D absorption and synthesis as individuals grow older. He attributed common Vitamin D deficiency among older adults to reduced sunlight exposure, particularly prevalent in those with darker skin tones.
Addressing varying dosage recommendations, Dr. Mosley highlighted the NHS advocacy for 10 micrograms (mcg) or 400 international units (IU) of Vitamin D daily, contrasting with the recommendations by the National Institutes of Health in the US. Opting for 25 mcg (1,000 IU) himself, within established safety limits, Dr. Mosley emphasized the potential benefits in warding off infections, cancers, and dementia.
Beyond its traditional role in bone health, Dr. Mosley illuminated emerging research indicating broader physiological implications of Vitamin D, including its influence on brain health and cancer prevention. Citing recent studies, he underscored the potential of larger doses to harness the full spectrum of Vitamin D benefits, particularly in combating bowel cancers through modulation of gut bacteria.
Dr. Michael Mosley’s advocacy for low-cost Vitamin D supplementation underscores the evolving understanding of its multifaceted health benefits, offering a simple yet potent strategy for disease prevention and wellness maintenance, especially among the aging population.