Over 60s should take vitamin D supplements to ward off cognitive decline and dementia, scientists have advised, after a study showed those with deficiencies suffered rapid mental deterioration… Known as the sunshine vitamin because the body produces it when in contact with sunlight, vitamin D is essential for promoting calcium absorption and bone health and some studies suggest it may protect against cancer, diabetes and multiple sclerosis… “On average, people with low vitamin D declined two to three times as fast as those with adequate vitamin D,” said Professor Joshua Miller, of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Rutgers University… A recent survey suggested that around 50 per cent of all adults have some degree of vitamin d deficiency, which has been blamed on too much time spent indoors and increased use of sunblock.