Vitamin D deficiency is when the level of vitamin D in the body is too low and can result in the loss or deterioration of the body’s bone density- causing bones to become too brittle and thin. This can lead to serious hip fractures from fall accidents resulting in surgery, extended physical therapy, chronic ailment and sometimes death.
Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency
Especially for seniors and older adults (age 65+), vitamin D deficiency can occur more often than for any other age group. Lack of sufficient levels of vitamin D and exposure to natural sunlight contributes to this condition.
Up to seventy percent of older adults (age 65+) maintain inadequate levels of vitamin D. The elderly tend to have low vitamin D levels year round as they don’t reap the benefits of summer sun exposure like the general population. Here are other factors that contribute to vitamin D deficiency in the elderly:
- Diminished intake to foods that contain vitamin D
- Tendency to avoid the sun and/or reside in locations where there is less access/exposure to the natural sun (i.e. assisted living day care facilities)
- Decreased ability to manufacture vitamin D due to changes in the skin composition
- Decreased memory which leads to failure to take vitamin D supplements as a regular regimen
- Intestinal absorption of vitamin D declines with the elderly as they age forward
Vitamin D Dosage – Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)
The recommended dietary allowance for seniors and the elderly is 800 IU per day (600 IU for adults). To note, if an older adult has a problem with intestinal absorption of vitamin D as a result of surgery, celiac disease- please consult a primary physician or professional health care provider for recommended dosage. Also, to screen for vitamin D deficiency requires the testing of the blood level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D.
Fortified Foods & Supplements To Boost Vitamin D Deficiency
To meet the levels as described above for older adults, select fortified foods such as milk, yogurt and ‘fatty’ fish (i.e. salmon, tuna, halibut and trout). Most importantly, schedule an annual wellness appointment and exam to consult with your physician or health care professional about your current diet and lifestyle and whether taking a vitamin supplement for older adults will be beneficial to bolstering your vitamin D level.
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