From improving your mood to supporting your immune system, vitamin D does so much more than build strong bones. While spending time in the sun is the best way to produce vitamin D, you can also boost your levels by eating foods fortified with vitamin D or taking supplements. Low levels of vitamin D can lead to serious health concerns – including bone loss, frequent infections, and depression. Discover why vitamin D is important for seniors, including the health benefits, signs you might be deficient, and how to increase your levels in this blog from The Bristal.
Health Benefits of Vitamin D
Touted as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D plays an important role in your overall health. Adults who are interested in staying active well into their golden years should pay close attention to their vitamin D levels. The health benefits associated with vitamin D include the following:
- Keeps Your Bones Healthy. There are numerous risk factors associated with osteoporosis including age and low levels of vitamin D and calcium. Left untreated, the bone loss caused by osteoporosis can lead to falls, as well as fractures. Vitamin D is important, as it helps your body absorb calcium and other minerals needed for bone growth.
- Improves Your Mood. Social isolation, coping with a chronic illness, or transitioning from work to retirement can all lead to depression in older adults. One promising study suggests that vitamin D may help manage the symptoms associated with depression, especially seasonal affective disorder.
- Prevents Cancer. When combined with calcium, vitamin D may lower your risk of developing certain types of cancer, including breast and colon cancers.
- Strengthens Your Immune System. Complications from colds and viral infections are a risk factor for seniors and those living with a chronic illness. Vitamin D appears to offer some protection against respiratory infections – but additional research is needed.
What are the Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency?
Having a vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly common – especially if where you live receives limited sunlight. Seniors are at a higher risk for developing a vitamin D deficiency for several reasons, including limited mobility and spending more time indoors. In fact, a recent study estimates that over 60 percent of seniors have low levels of vitamin D. Following are some common symptoms associated with a vitamin D deficiency:
- Fatigue
- Pain in your bones
- Muscle weakness, aches, and/or cramps
- Depression, anxiety, or other mood changes
Check with your doctor if you think you might have a vitamin D deficiency. A simple blood test can determine whether you need a supplement, or not.
Ways to Increase Your Levels of Vitamin D
Sunlight, certain foods, and supplements are three ways you can boost your level of vitamin D. Depending on your skin tone, 10 to 15 minutes in the sun two to three days per week will help your body produce what it needs. Remember that your ability to produce vitamin D may be limited by a variety of factors, including darker skin, sunscreen, cloudy skies, and less daylight during the winter.
Fortunately, there are plenty of foods packed with vitamin D, including:
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Sardines
- Cod liver oil
There are also plenty of vitamin D-fortified foods available:
- Orange juice
- Eggs
- Cereals
- Mushrooms
- Milk
The Mediterranean diet is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D. It also places an emphasis on healthy fats from olive oil, avocados, and fatty fish, which your body needs to absorb fat soluble vitamins, like vitamin D.
Supplements are also an additional way you can increase your level of vitamin D, but a doctor should check for a deficiency before you take a supplement.
More Health and Nutrition News
From food swaps for a healthier diet to importance of staying hydrated, our blog is full of tips for living your best life. Explore all our articles on the blog here.
This blog was originally published on January 25, 2021 and updated in 2023.
