With increasing age, individuals often experience physical transformations that can significantly affect their general health.
One vital consideration that commonly goes unaddressed in conversations about older adults’ wellness is the critical role vitamin D plays. Strong bones, immune system resilience, and reduced susceptibility to long-term health problems depend on adequate levels of this vitamin.
As people age beyond seventy-five, the likelihood of developing vitamin D deficiency increases, partly because their skin becomes thinner and they receive less sunlight.
Key Takeaways
Vitamin D plays a critical role in maintaining strong bones, immune system resilience, and reducing susceptibility to long-term health problems in seniors.
- Adequate levels of vitamin D are necessary for the body’s efficient uptake of calcium, protecting against bone conditions such as osteoporosis and broken bones.
- Maintaining sufficient levels of vitamin D is essential for supporting immunity in older adults, lowering the likelihood of developing serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
- Seniors should consider taking supplements or consuming food items naturally enriched with vitamin D to ensure they get enough of this essential nutrient, particularly if they don’t receive sufficient sunlight or follow a restricted diet.
Why vitamin D is crucial for seniors
Sufficient levels of this nutrient are necessary to enable the body’s efficient uptake of calcium, an essential component that helps protect against bone conditions such as osteoporosis and broken bones.
During the summer months, from late March/early April to the end of September, our bodies can make the vitamin D we need from food and sunlight on our skin
Dr Hannah McCourt, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager
As individuals age, their declining immune function makes it essential to maintain sufficient levels of this nutrient to support their immunity. Research has found that proper amounts can lower the likelihood of developing serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and specific forms of cancer.
The human body has the ability to synthesize it through exposure to sunlight. However, with increasing age, the body’s capacity to produce it naturally decreases, underscoring the importance of getting it through supplements or healthy eating.
For optimal nutrition, seniors may want to focus on consuming food items naturally or artificially enriched with this vitamin, including certain types of fish, eggs, and dairy products.
They can also purchase supplements to ensure they get enough of this essential nutrient, particularly if they don’t receive sufficient sunlight or follow a restricted diet.
Expert advice on vitamin D supplements
Based on recommendations from the Endocrine Society, individuals over 75 should consider taking supplements of this vital nutrient. A person needs to obtain around 800 IU daily, which can come from both their diet and any supplements they take.
This figure surpasses the advised intake for younger adults due to older individuals’ increased needs and reduced ability to produce and absorb this essential vitamin.
Risks associated with vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is linked to two painful health problems: rickets, a childhood condition that causes unusual bone growth, and osteomalacia, a condition affecting grown-ups that results in bone discomfort.
In addition to its multifaceted functions, this compound plays a part in inflammation reduction, cell proliferation enhancement, maintenance of neuromuscular activity, and the fortification of the body’s immune defense mechanisms.
Vitamin D can cause calcium to build too high, contributing to kidney stones and even bone damage
Akanksha Kulkarni, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Findings suggest that adequate levels of vitamin D may reduce the chance of falling, which is commonly caused by poor posture control and reduced muscular force.
The risk of falling is considerable among older adults as it significantly increases their likelihood of experiencing bone fractures, which can have severe consequences on their overall health and quality of life.
Groups with increased risk of vitamin D deficiency
Certain groups of people are at a heightened risk of not having adequate levels of this crucial nutrient, regardless of the time of year or the amount of sunlight they are exposed to.
This risk can be especially pronounced in populations with limited access to outdoor activities, such as individuals residing in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. These individuals often have restricted mobility and may spend most of their time indoors, leading to lower levels of this important vitamin.
Additionally, factors such as age-related changes in skin composition, dietary restrictions, and certain health conditions can further contribute to deficiencies, making it essential for caregivers and healthcare providers to proactively monitor and address these nutritional needs.
According to health guidelines, it is advisable for everyone to take a daily supplement during the fall and winter months, seasons that typically coincide with reduced sunlight exposure, to maintain overall health.
