The Importance of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important at any age, but as we get older, the dosage recommendations increase. Unfortunately, many older people don’t get adequate amounts of this essential nutrient, which can lead to a wide variety of issues, including cognitive difficulties, bone softening, and nausea. How can older adults avoid these problems? Aiming for the recommended dosage of vitamin D can help: 15 micrograms for those younger than 71 years old and 20 micrograms for those 71 and older. Why is vitamin D so important?
Vitamin D Boosts Mood and Cognitive Function
Research indicates that older adults with lower levels of vitamin D are more likely to suffer from depressive symptoms, including loneliness, restless sleep, and a lack of enjoyment in life. Vitamin D is believed to help regulate immune function and the release of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, by converting into the active hormone calcitriol. Seniors who don’t get enough vitamin D may experience mental health disorders like seasonal affective disorder (SAD), schizophrenia, and depression. On the other hand, sufficient levels of vitamin D can help slow cognitive decline, reducing a person’s risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Vitamin D Promotes Bone Health for Stronger Bones
Osteoporosis affects 16 percent of older adults, carrying serious health risks as it causes bones to become weak and brittle. Vitamin D is very important for bone healthy, because it promotes the absorption of calcium, allowing bone mineralization to occur. Calcium doesn’t work properly without vitamin D, but together, they can help protect against bone softening.
Vitamin D Has Preventive Powers
It is actually rather amazing how many ailments vitamin D can help prevent. Because it can help boost immunity, vitamin D can decrease the risk of colon cancer and blood cancers, and improve outcomes for patients with colorectal, breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. Some studies indicate that vitamin D can slow the development of cancer cells and tumors. It’s not just life threatening cancers that vitamin D wards off, though. It can also help protect against everyday illnesses, including viral infections like influenza and coronaviruses. Vitamin D reduces the risk of acute respiratory infection, plays a role in treating high blood pressure, and can even help prevent diabetes.
Vitamin D Supports Oral Health
Getting older doesn’t have to mean losing your teeth. While aging can increase the likelihood of gum disease and tooth decay, proper dental hygiene, combined with vitamin D, can provide a strong defense. This is partially due to vitamin D’s ability to help the body absorb calcium. Additionally, vitamin D has anti-inflammatory affects and stimulates the production of antimicrobial peptides, thus supporting healthy teeth and gums.
Vitamin D Helps Build Muscles and Reduce Weight
While it’s building bones, vitamin D is also strengthening muscles. This is great news for older adults, who are at risk of falling if their muscles are weak. Vitamin D can also help with weight loss, which is very helpful in maintaining good health as an older adult.
Vitamin D may lower Parkinson’s risks
About five percent of people over the age of 85 develop Parkinson’s disease, a disease in which the neurons in the brain deteriorate, causing tremors and rigidity. Fortunately, studies show that getting the recommended dose of vitamin D can reduce the risk of getting Parkinson’s. Further, having the right levels of vitamin D can also alleviate Parkinson’s symptoms in those already diagnosed with this condition.
Getting the Recommended Dose of Vitamin D
What’s the best way to supplement your vitamin D intake? Getting some sun is one of the best things you can do. Taking an afternoon walk is a great way to get vitamin D and exercise at the same time, but when you’re stuck inside during the winter, a UV lamp can also help. To work vitamin D into your diet, consider taking cod liver oil: one tablespoon supplies 170 percent of daily vitamin D needs. Other foods with vitamin D include white mushrooms, cooked salmon, tuna, oysters, and shrimp, as well as foods fortified with vitamin D, like milk, orange juice, and breakfast cereals. You can also take a vitamin D supplement. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your vitamin D intake; a simple blood test can determine whether you’re deficient.
The Right Care for Older Adults
At
BrightStar Care of Jupiter/Martin County, we know that staying healthy as you age can be a challenge. That’s why we work hard to deliver the right care for older people and to be a partner their loved ones can turn to for support. Because we believe that caring is more than just a job, our nurses, therapists, CNAs, and caregivers offer the most professional compassionate care available. In the comforting, familiar surroundings of home, we offer a full range of care services to meet your loved one’s needs and help you when you need it most. Visit our website to
apply now or call 561-741-1200 to learn more about joining the BrightStar Care family.
