Risk factors contributing to vitamin D deficiency in older adults include reduced nutritional intake of vitamin D, increasing adiposity, decreased cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D, and less time spent outdoors (Table 1) [22, 21].

Why are elderly more at risk for vitamin D deficiency?

Because they spend the majority of their time indoors, older adults get minimal exposure to natural sunlight. Additionally, as skin thins with age, vitamin D synthesis becomes much less efficient. Reduced appetite and impaired absorption of nutrients further compound this problem for seniors.

Why do elderly need more vitamin D?

Vitamin D helps our bodies to absorb calcium —downright essential for healthy bone mass and strength. Older adults with a deficiency are far more prone to falls, as well as other health problems like fatigue, joint pain, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis.

Why are some elderly people at risk of developing vitamin D deficiency provide three 3 reasons?

Older people are prone to develop vitamin D deficiency because of various risk factors: decreased dietary intake, diminished sunlight exposure, reduced skin thickness, impaired intestinal absorption, and impaired hydroxylation in the liver and kidneys (11–13).

Does age affect vitamin D deficiency?

Aging reduces vitamin D production in skin. There is a decrease in the concentration of 7-dehydrocholesterol in the epidermis in old compared with young individuals and a reduced response to UV light, resulting in a 50% decrease in the formation of previtamin D3.

What factors put someone at risk for vitamin D deficiency?

Consequently, major risk factors for vitamin D deficiency include inadequate sunlight exposure, inadequate dietary intake of vitamin D-containing foods, and malabsorption syndromes such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease [2].

What nutritional deficiencies are common in elderly and why?

Common vitamin deficiencies among aging adults include: Calcium —important for bone density and strength, calcium is found in dark leafy greens and dairy products, as well as calcium-specific supplements. Calcium deficiency can lead to decreased bone density, lowered mobility, and falls.

Why is vitamin D and calcium important for elderly?

For healthy muscles and bones, you need calcium, vitamin D and protein: calcium keeps our bones and teeth healthy. vitamin D helps our bodies to absorb calcium. protein is important for muscle maintenance.

How much vitamin D should an elderly person take?

The Institute of Medicine has placed the recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, for vitamin D at 600 international units (IU) per day for young adults and 800 IU per day for adults older than 70.

Which older patient is at greatest risk for vitamin D deficiency?

Elderly men are more likely to suffer from very severe Vitamin D deficiency. Our data analysis showed that the prevalence of very severe VD deficiency in elderly men and elderly women was 44% and 26%, respectively.