Stroke is the second leading cause of death, causing 5.7 million deaths annually. Recent research has identified vitamin D deficiency as an independent risk factor for stroke, particularly "ischemic stroke," which reduces blood supply to the brain due to clots blocking blood flow in the vessels. Other research shows that decreased vitamin D levels worsen stroke severity and prognosis. Many recommend vitamin D for stroke treatment.

Many neuroprotective mechanisms have been proposed for how vitamin D prevents ischemic stroke.

• Low vitamin D levels can stiffen blood vessels, increasing the risk of vessel occlusion and reducing blood flow to brain cells.

• Vitamin D deficiency decreases protective protein expression, leading to BBB dysfunction. Vitamin D protects the BBB by inhibiting harmful oxygen species.

• Vitamin D deficiency is linked to obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.

The 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood test accurately measures vitamin D levels. Healthy people need 20-50 ng/mL.

Diet, supplements, and sun exposure treat vitamin D deficiency. Sunlight is the best source of Vitamin D. Spend 10-30 minutes each week in midday sunlight. Sun exposure time depends on skin sensitivity. Indoor dwellers, those who cover up outdoors, and those with darker skin are at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Year-round, they should take 10 micrograms of vitamin D. Others may only need winter supplements.

If you have chronic kidney disease, consult your doctor before taking supplements. Vitamin D is found in mushrooms, fatty fish, oysters, shrimp, sardines, etc.

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