Vitamin D deficiencies are very common. They increase children's risk of developing weak bones, but they also make adults more prone to osteoporosis.

Studies show that large quantities of B vitamins are able to slow mild cognitive impairment, which is an early stage of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. A more recent study suggests, however, that B vitamins are not effective, unless the body is properly supplied with the omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish oil.

Recent studies show a possible relation betwen too little vitamin D and the risk of developing autism. It is also alarming that many children are born with too little vitamin D or develop a deficiency later in life, as vitamin D controls numerous processes in the human brain.

- are you getting enough, though?

Studies that have been published over the past decades reveal how vitamin D plays an important role in cancer prevention. Studies also show that most of us lack vitamin D. Nonetheless, vitamin D supplements can make a difference, and research suggests that we need more than the official recommendations.

Many women experience sleep deprivation as one of the biggest problems of menopause. Not only does this condition cause fatigue, it also increases the risk of overweight, depression, impaired immune resistance, weak bones, atherosclerosis, and dementia. It is therefore a very good idea to solve any sleeping problem with the natural substance melatonin and a few other simple adjustments.

Apparently so, according to a study that reveals how supplements of vitamin C reduce vasoconstriction in overweight individuals who, because of an increased tendency to this problem, have an elevated risk of cardiovascular ailments.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of vitamin C and exercise on a protein called endothelin-1, which has a vasoconstrictive effect. Overweight people have elevated levels of this protein, causing constriction of the small blood vessels and, subsequently, impairment of blood flow and circulation with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

Melatonin is a natural substance that gets produced in the brain at night. Supplements of melatonin are highly useful for people who suffer from recurrent insomnia or travel across several time zones.

People who suffer from regular insomnia or find it difficult to fall asleep at night may benefit from taking a natural "sleep hormone" called melatonin. Melatonin induces a pleasant and natural sleep that makes you wake up feeling rested and refreshed. Unlike prescription hypnotics that are habit-forming and tend to make you feel drowsy, melatonin stimulates the body's natural sleep pattern, resulting in a healthy, deep sleep that lasts through the night.

Depression is triggered by many different factors, and many people in medical therapy for their condition are not treated for the actual cause. In prevention as well as in treatment, it is vital that the brain has a sufficient supply of energy and nutrients to help the nervous system function optimally.

The modern way of living and lack of certain essential nutrients increase the risk of depression, a problem that has grown with endemic proportions, even among children. In the following, you can read more about some of the most common causes of depression. Also, you will find information about how to deal with the following problems:

• Low blood sugar and lack of chromium
• Slow metabolism and lack of selenium
• Inflammation and lack of omega-3 fatty acids
• Winter depression and lack of vitamin D
• Lack of exercise and daylight