Seniors are at high risk for Vitamin D deficiency, making Vitamin D intake more important to help prevent complications and illnesses. As we get older, the body changes and so do its needs.
Without sufficient vitamin D, the body might face several challenges. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that’s essential for your health. It helps your body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus, which are important for strong bones. A deficiency in vitamin D could lead to weakened bones and a compromised ability to fight infections and inflammation.
To help seniors enjoy their golden years to the fullest, it is vital to be aware of lifestyle changes to avoid. Making thoughtful choices can significantly improve their quality of life.
What are some of the body and lifestyle changes that make the elderly more vulnerable to Vitamin D deficiency? Here are a few:
- Less exposure to sunlight
Vitamin D is present in food but the selection is quite limited, making sunlight one of its major sources. Sun exposure helps the body create Vitamin D, and regular exposure to sunlight might be a problem. Elders tend to be more active in their younger years, which often results in greater exposure to vitamin D due to outdoor activities and sunlight. However, as they age, many adopt a more sedentary lifestyle, leading to significantly less exposure to sunlight and, consequently, lower levels of vitamin D. This shift to a semi-sedentary lifestyle impacts their overall health and well-being, making it important to find alternative ways to ensure they receive adequate vitamin D.
- Reduced capacity of the skin to produce Vitamin D
As we age, the processes of the body become less efficient. One example of this decline is the skin's ability to synthesize vitamin D from sunlight– four times less efficient in seniors than in younger individuals. This reduced capacity contributes to the lower levels of vitamin D commonly observed in older adults, further exacerbating the health challenges associated with aging.
- Reduced capacity of the kidney to convert Vitamin D
The kidneys play a crucial role in converting vitamin D into its active form. This conversion is essential for the body to effectively use vitamin D, impacting various physiological functions, including calcium absorption and bone health. As kidney function declines with age, this process can become less efficient, contributing to potential deficiencies in vitamin D among the elderly.
What are the possible effects of Vitamin D deficiency in the elderly?
Around the age of 35, we start to lose bone density and our bones become thinner, says the National Health Service UK. From this age, we gradually lose bone density, which may lead to osteoporosis if it occurs at a faster pace. Since Vitamin D plays a primary role in Calcium absorption, insufficient levels of it especially during old age may increase risk of fractures as well as bone diseases such as osteoporosis or osteomalacia.
Aside from being associated with poor bone health, Vitamin D deficiency in the elderly may also lead to other complications and diseases. According to Barbara Boucher in her paper “The Problems of Vitamin D Insufficiency in Older People”, insufficient amounts of Vitamin D may also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
In addition, it has also been linked to the increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. In a study published in Neurology, researchers found that their results linked Vitamin D deficiency to the mentioned conditions, but more research is needed to strengthen this link.
Although aging is inevitable, Vitamin D deficiency and the complications or illnesses it brings are not. Aside from sunlight and food, a Vitamin D supplement may also be taken to help meet the sufficient levels during these years.
If a doctor advises seniors to take a supplement for vitamin D, they may consider Colecalciferol (Forti-D®).
Colecalciferol (Forti-D®) can help with both the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency, with proper diet and exercise. It is a natural vitamin D supplement specifically designed to address vitamin D deficiency, which is commonly linked to a variety of health issues. These health issues include bone diseases such as osteoporosis, as well as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
Help seniors stay active and enjoy their senior years. Being proactive can significantly contribute to improving the quality of life and health outcomes for the elderly.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
ASC Reference No. U0025P082024F
References:
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min%20D%20crucial%20for%20gut%20health%3A%20Deficiency%20linked%20to%20infl
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https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/vitamin-d/
