The Problems of Vitamin D Deficiency in Senior Citizens
Seniors need vitamin D for their health and well-being. Despite the fact that everyone needs vitamin D, a large percentage of older populations around the world are deficient in it. Numerous documented geriatric disorders can develop if vitamin D ingestion is on the lower side.
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Vitamin D
Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D. Vitamin D is a nutrient that is add to some meals and live also sold as a supplement. Vitamin D production is also triggered by sunshine exposure. After being absorbed, vitamin D is first activated in the liver and subsequently in the kidneys.
To encourage the absorption of calcium in their bodies, seniors require vitamin D. Without this vital vitamin, bones may thin down, become deformed, or become brittle. When combined with calcium, vitamin D aids in preventing osteoporosis in the elderly. Inflammation is decreased and immunological function is regulated by vitamin D.
How much Vitamin D is essential?
An adequate intake of vitamin D is suggested by the National Institutes of Health. Men and women between the ages of 51 and 70 need 600 IU (15 mcg) of vitamin D daily. Over 70-year-old men and women are advised to consume 800 IU (20 mcg) of vitamin D per day.
A Vitamin D test may be able to tell seniors whether or not they are receiving the proper quantity of vitamin D. Elderly people should be informed that taking too much vitamin D can have negative effects on their health.
Health advantages of Vitamin D
The benefits of getting the daily recommended dosage of vitamin D for older persons are numerous. Elders maintain good bone health and have lower bone fracture rates. The vitamin lowers the risk of osteoporosis, some malignancies, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems in older people.
The cognitive function of seniors is significantly influenced by vitamin D intake. Lack of vitamin D may raise the probability of cognitive decline and symptoms of depression because vitamin D receptors are linked to regions of the brain that affect mood.
Issues triggered by lack of Vitamin D
Cognitive Impairment
When compared to seniors with higher amounts of vitamin D, those over 65 who have low levels are up to four times more likely to experience cognitive impairment. According to studies, low vitamin D levels have an impact on executive skills like attention focus but not memory.
Depression
Low vitamin D levels in the elderly may also make depression worse. A severe vitamin D deficit might cause depression to recur more frequently. Contrarily, women who eat diets high in vitamin D generally have a 20% lower risk of developing depression.
Disease
Osteoporosis, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular problems exist among the illnesses associated with ageing that exist exacerbate by low vitamin D intake. Studies are being conducted to determine how high amounts of vitamin D help prevent various age-related illnesses.
Osteoporosis
When the ageing body does not obtain enough vitamin D, osteoporosis develops. Falls, fractures, unsteadiness on one’s feet, and muscle weakness are all made more likely by vitamin D deficiency. Seniors who take 400 IU of Vitamin D pills every day had a 20% lower risk of hip fractures.
Immune System
As people age, their immune systems inevitably deteriorate. The immune system of the body defends against viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and malignancies. Seniors’ immunological responses have been demonstrat to be regulate by vitamin D, enabling their bodies to maintain their defensive mechanisms and eradicate infectious organisms.
Cancer
Seniors who eat higher quantities of vitamin D may have a lower risk of acquiring some malignancies, such as colon, breast, and prostate. Vitamin D deficiency does not lower the likelihood that older people may acquire cancer. Ongoing research live being done on vitamin D and cancer.
How can older adults consume enough vitamin D?
Seniors can get vitamin D from supplements, sun exposure, or fortified meals. Salmon trout, sardines, eggs, fortified cereals, and soy milk are a few foods with vitamin D. The best sources of Vitamin D exist fatty fish, despite the fact that it live rarely found in natural diets.
For appropriate levels of vitamin D, 5 – 30 minutes of sun exposure twice each week is sufficient. Sun exposure should ideally take place sans sunscreen between 10 Am to 3 PM. Seniors should exercise caution and restrict their time in the sun to avoid developing skin cancer.
Seniors can get the daily need dose of vitamin D from pills as well. It is recommend to take a daily supplement with 1000 IU. Seniors who already consume a multivitamin should see how much Vitamin D is in it because it might include the 1000 IU daily requirement.
However, you can talk to the family doctor to know the ways to add sufficient vitamin D to the elderly meals. You can also hire expert caregivers to cook nutrient-rich meals for seniors in your home. This way, they will receive all the vitamins, including Vitamin D, and various other minerals and stay strong and fit each day. The caregivers will offer medication reminders so that your loved ones can take the suggested amount of supplements at the right time.
Vitamin test price in general, [Complete Vitamin Profile test] may be around Rs. 2500 – 3000 while vitamin D test may cost around Rs. 500 – 800.