Oct 16, 2024
Why people over 75 should consider daily vitamin D supplements
Siddhartha JanaVitamin D is crucial for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being, especially as people age.
Source: Canva
People over 75 are recommended to take 800 IU of vitamin D daily from supplements or food, as it becomes harder for their bodies to produce it from sunlight.
Source: Canva
Older adults tend to have less exposure to sunlight and their skin becomes less efficient at synthesizing vitamin D, making supplementation more necessary.
Source: Canva
Deficiency in vitamin D is common among older adults, with studies showing one in five older Australians are deficient, and nearly half in higher-latitude regions like the UK.
Source: Canva
Vitamin D is important for calcium absorption, which is essential for maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis and fractures.
Source: Canva
Low vitamin D levels are linked to higher risks of fractures, with older people hospitalized for hip fractures being 3.5 times more likely to die within a year.
Source: Canva
Emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D may also lower the risk of respiratory infections and contribute to brain health, though more research is needed.
Source: Canva
Routine blood testing for vitamin D is not necessary for most healthy people over 75, but daily supplements are recommended even if sunlight exposure is adequate.
Source: Canva
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