Reasons Why So Many Are Recommending Vitamin D For Seniors
Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office Recommends Vitamin D
The Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office provided this advice in a leaflet that recommended Vitamin D supplementation for seniors. According to the Swiss health authority, Vitamin D may help the heart, brain, immune system, and dental health. Since vitamin D can boost muscle and bone health, it can lead to a significant 30 percent reduction in fall risk and subsequent hip fractures. This is paramount for the safety of seniors since falls due to depleting bone and muscle mass are the leading cause of falls and life-threatening fractures.
According to the same resource, obtaining vitamin D through the diet is not easy. It is common knowledge that our skin synthesizes vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight. But what is less well known is the fact that the skin’s ability to generate vitamin D can fall with age by as much as 25 percent. This troubling fact is mentioned in the health authority’s recommendations.
Based on these findings, the Swiss health body recommends seniors (who are 65 years and above) supplement with 800 IU of vitamin D each day.
IADSA
The IADSA extolled the Swiss state and expressed its resolve to communicate findings pertinent to the benefits of nutrient supplementation to stakeholders and governments worldwide so that general wellbeing and health may improve as a result.
Benefits of Vitamin D
Multiple Sclerosis Risk and Vitamin D
According to one review carried out in 2018 on population-based studies, it was discovered that the risk of multiple sclerosis can increase substantially when levels of vitamin D are low.
Heart Health and Vitamin D
Low levels of vitamin D also appear to impact heart health. According to research, it has been found that when levels of vitamin D are low, then there is a higher risk of chronic cardiovascular diseases like stroke, heart failure, and hypertension. However, at this point, it is still not clear whether vitamin D is the cause or symptom of poor cardiovascular health.
Might Reduce the Risk of Chronic Disease
There has been much hype in health circles about the benefits of vitamin D vis-a-vis covid. This requires further research for confirmation. Remember that these are just preliminary results.
Another review study has noted that low levels of vitamin D could exacerbate certain respiratory diseases. (source1, source2)
Although there are plenty of studies that show the possible benefits of vitamin D, further research needs to be done to confirm these promising results.
Bottom Line
Vitamin D supplementation for seniors may be well advised considering the multiple benefits of vitamin D. Hence, it is advised to add Vitamin D to diet and health plans, especially for seniors.
