Sunshine and Synapses: Exploring the Vitamin D-Cognition Nexus among Young Tribal Adults of Meghalaya.

INTRODUCTION

The relationship between Vitamin D (VitD) levels and cognitive function in young adults remains unclear, with conflicting results in existing literature. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of VitD deficiency and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to explore the correlation between serum VitD levels and cognitive functions in young indigenous adults in Meghalaya.

METHODS

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care centre in Shillong, Meghalaya, involving 137 healthy young individuals associated with the centre. Serum VitD levels were measured and categorised according to the classifications of the Food and Nutrition Board, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and the Endocrine Society. Cognitive functions were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale.

RESULTS

Based on the Endocrine Society Classification, 85.4% (95% CI: 78.5%-90.3%) of participants were found to be VitD-deficient, and 51.1% (95% CI: 42.4%-59.7%) had MCI. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between serum VitD levels and cognitive functions (r = 0.096; = 0.025). Adequate sun exposure was independently associated with higher serum VitD levels, and females were found to have better cognition.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed a high prevalence of VitD deficiency and MCI in the young indigenous population with an identified positive association between the two conditions. However, the findings highlight the need for large-scale, multi-centric, longitudinal studies with follow-up assessments to further understand these relationships.