{"id":5262,"date":"2024-01-19T00:02:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-19T00:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.comfortkeepers.ca\/northandwestvancouver\/blog\/vitamin-d-deficiency\/"},"modified":"2026-03-23T14:49:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T14:49:41","slug":"vitamin-d-deficiency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.comfortkeepers.ca\/northandwestvancouver\/blog\/vitamin-d-deficiency\/","title":{"rendered":"Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Effects for Seniors Living in British Columbia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Senior<\/figure>\n\n\n

Vitamin D Deficiency and its Effects<\/h2>\n

Vitamin D Deficiency and its Effects – Aging brings about symptoms one may never have experienced in his or her younger years: fatigue, general muscle pain and weakness, joint pain, poor concentration, restless sleep \u2013 the list goes on. These symptoms may be the result of normal wear and tear on the body over the years. They are also symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, a potentially serious condition that has gotten more attention over the years, especially in the senior population. It is estimated that more than 40% of seniors do not have enough vitamin D in their systems.<\/span><\/p>\n

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DID YOU KNOW?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

It is estimated that more than 40% of seniors do not have enough vitamin D in their systems.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Vitamin D is more than sunlight<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Vitamin D was once believed to only help strengthen bones and teeth. However, recent advances in science show that vitamin D plays an important role in the proper functioning of the body and can help prevent many diseases and conditions. Vitamin D is found in small amounts of food, such as fatty fish and fortified dairy products, juices and cereals. However, 80-90 percent of vitamin D is obtained by exposure to sunlight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Researchers have found several factors that put seniors at greater risk for vitamin D deficiency than other age groups. Seniors who are either unable or do not otherwise leave their homes do not receive the benefits of the sun\u2019s rays. Active seniors must bear in mind the changes in the skin due to aging decrease the skin\u2019s ability to synthesize sunlight into vitamin D. Also, kidney function decreases with age, which inhibits the body\u2019s ability to properly process the vitamin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vitamin D deficiencies can be dangerous<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Studies have found that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to osteoporosis, muscle weakness, hip fractures, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, arthritis and poor general health. The New England Journal of Medicine recently studied vitamin D and how it prevents fractures in seniors. While the recommended dosage of vitamin D varies from person to person, the study showed that it takes a daily dose of at least 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D to consistently prevent broken bones. This dosage reduced the risk of hip fractures by 30 percent and other breaks by 14 percent. The study also demonstrated that too much calcium, more than 1,000 mg per day, may dilute vitamin D\u2019s benefits to bones.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency are often subtle and a doctor should always be consulted before treatment is considered.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Related Article: <\/strong>How Seniors Can Enhance Mental Health<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

A list of Vitamin D deficiency and symptoms that seniors may experience:<\/strong><\/h2>\n