Biohacking Weekly 52: Why Your Vitamin D Might Be Doing Nothing

This is Biohacking Weekly — a curated news roundup designed to help you increase your longevity, improve healthspan and access OptimOZ product picks.

IN THIS EDITION

1. Why your vitamin D might still be low
2. Heart-health gap between men and women
3. How music may guard against dementia
4. 10+ reasons not to toss your pumpkin seeds on Halloween
5. The little-known “spring asthenia”

1. The Overlooked Link Between Vitamin D and Magnesium

Even with plenty of sunshine and supplements, many people still show low vitamin D levels — and magnesium could be the missing key. Dr. Rhonda Patrick explains that converting vitamin D into its active form depends on magnesium, as it powers the enzymes behind that process. Without enough magnesium, the body simply can’t use vitamin D efficiently.

She adds that the form of magnesium matters. Highly bioavailable types, such as magnesium glycinate, citrate, or malate, are absorbed far better than oxide forms, helping the body unlock the full benefits of both sunshine and supplementation.

👉 Watch the full video on YouTube

2. Women Get Bigger Heart Benefits in Less Time

A major study of over 80,000 adults found that women can achieve the same heart disease protection as men with only half the weekly exercise.

Women who exercised for about 250 minutes a week cut their coronary heart disease risk by 30%, while men needed nearly 530 minutes (almost nine hours!) to get the same benefit.

The study builds on earlier research showing that women benefit more from the same amount of exercise, yet are often less physically active and less likely to meet recommended targets.

The researchers hope the findings will encourage more women to be active, as heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women worldwide.

Source: Chen, J. et al., Nature Cardiovascular Research (2025)

3. Music May Cut Dementia Risk by Up to 39%k

A large Australian study of 10,893 adults aged 70+ found that regularly engaging with music may significantly lower dementia risk. The research showed that regularly listening to music cut dementia risk by 39% and mild cognitive decline by 17%, while playing an instrument reduced dementia risk by 35%.

While the study doesn’t prove that music directly prevents dementia, it highlights a promising and accessible lifestyle factor for supporting brain health.

Source: Jaffa E. at al., International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry (2025)

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

Before you scoop and bin your pumpkin insides this Halloween, think again!

A recent review highlight that pumpkin seeds deliver over ten major health benefits, from lowering cholesterol and balancing blood sugar to lifting mood. They’re packed with magnesium, antioxidants, and healthy fats, and research links them to better heart, prostate, and metabolic health through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

This Halloween, skip the waste and turn your leftover pumpkin seeds into a crunchy boost for long-term health.

Source: Silky et al., Journal for Research in Applied Sciences and Biotechnology (2024)

5. Your Body’s Strange Reaction to Spring Explained

As days grow longer, many feel happier — yet some experience the opposite: fatigue, irritability, and low mood known as spring asthenia or spring fatigue. Though not a medical diagnosis, it’s a common reaction to seasonal change as the body adjusts to new light and temperature patterns.

To ease spring fatigue, support your body’s rhythm: spend time outdoors to stabilise sleep cycles, stay active to boost energy and mood, and eat nutrient-rich foods to strengthen immunity. Keeping routines steady and prioritising rest helps the body adapt smoothly to the new season.

👉 Read the full article on The Independent