Sun, Sport and the Science of Ageing: What the New Vitamin D Research Means for Croquet Players

Sun, Sport and the Science of Ageing

New research from University of Galway suggests that maintaining healthy vitamin D levels in mid-life may reduce the build-up of a key Alzheimer’s biomarker in the brain — and for Queensland croquet players who spend their afternoons on sun-drenched lawns, it is worth knowing about.

The study, published in Neurology Open Access, tracked nearly 800 people with an average age of 39. Researchers measured vitamin D blood levels at the start of the study, then performed brain scans sixteen years later. Those who had higher vitamin D levels in mid-life showed lower levels of tau protein — an abnormal protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease — in later life.

“This study demonstrates an association between higher vitamin D in mid-life and a lower burden of abnormal tau protein,” said Professor Emer McGrath of University of Galway, one of the lead researchers. “Low vitamin D in mid-life may be an important target to reduce risk of early signs of preclinical dementia.”

One in three participants in the study had low vitamin D at baseline. Just five per cent were taking supplements.

Dr Martin Mulligan, a PhD researcher on the project, noted that mid-life is a particularly important window: “Mid-life is a time where risk factor modification can have a greater impact.”

The researchers were careful to note that the study shows association, not causation. A clinical trial will be needed before any firm recommendations about vitamin D supplements can be made.

For those who play croquet in Queensland — outdoors, regularly, under a sun that does not apologise — the research is a quiet reminder that time on the lawn carries benefits beyond the game itself.