22 Mar Vitamin D 

Let’s take a moment to discuss Vitamin D and its significance for our bodies.  Vitamin D is a nutrient that is responsible for building healthy bones and maintaining them. It also helps with regulating the body’s cell function, muscle function, immune health and brain cell activity.  It contains both anti-inflammatories and antioxidants.

Recommended Levels 

Vitamin D recommendations vary based upon age and the basic needs of each individual.  As you are reviewing this, please keep in mind that you should seek your health care provider to find out your own personal recommendations, specifically should you have other health conditions.  However, broad stroke recommendations in international units are: 

Natural Sources of Vitamin D 

Given, that Vitamin D has so many benefits, it is important to get an adequate amount. Spending time outside in direct sunlight helps the body to convert a chemical in our skin to an active form of vitamin D.  

It is important to note that the production of vitamin D may vary depending on factors such as skin pigmentation, time of day and season/time of year.  For instance, production may be lower in winter months for many as well as individuals with more pigmented skin.  

Foods such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, fortified cereal, and fortified milk also contain vitamin D. 

Vitamin D levels may be checked through blood tests ordered by your provider.  

Vitamin D and Aging 

Getting the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals is critical to healthy aging. Unfortunately, many Seniors lack the critical amount of vitamins and minerals needed daily, including vitamin D. 

Because vitamin D assists in regulating so many functions in the body, for seniors, it helps to keep bones healthy and strong while reducing fractures and falls. It also improves mobility by lessening  muscle weakness,  chances of infections, and osteoporosis.

Factors to consider which are specific to vitamin D absorption in Seniors include:  age (over 50), diet (less variety), liver and kidney function, digestive function, thin skin, and lack of time spent outdoors also make getting the correct dose of vitamin D more challenging and in these cases, supplementation may be appropriate.  

Vitamin D Supplements

Vitamin D supplements are recommended for older adults given that they do not conflict with any existing medications or medical issues. Speak with your provider as previously recommend above for your safe dosage.  

Be aware that it is possible to take too much vitamin D.  Symptoms of too much vitamin D can cause mental confusion, nausea, and weakness. 

For more tips about how to care for seniors at home, visit Happily Ever After Senior Living. We offer a variety of services designed to help support seniors and caregivers. We would love to learn how we may best support you and/or the ones you love.