Have you heard of the sunshine vitamin? It’s vitamin D.
Vitamin D is called the sunshine vitamin because being outside in the sun causes the body to produce vitamin D. In fact, it’s one of the few natural sources of the vitamin since it exists only in a few foods. Because of this, some foods are fortified with vitamin D. Being deficient in vitamin D can cause health problems, so understanding what causes vitamin D deficiency may help you to avoid it in your aging relative.
The Dangers of Deficiency
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- You may be aware that vitamin D plays a role in keeping bones strong. Vitamin D is necessary for the body to use calcium, which is essential to bone health. In addition to affecting bones, vitamin D deficiency may also lead to:
- Higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
- Cancer.
- Cognitive problems.
- The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency are often unnoticeable. However, experiencing bone pain or muscle weakness can indicate that vitamin D levels are too low.
Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency
The amount of vitamin D a person needs depends on their age. For older adults who are age 70 or older, the recommended daily amount is 20 micrograms. Some things that may cause vitamin D deficiency are:
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- Not Consuming Enough: Most foods that contain vitamin D come from animal sources, such as egg yolks, fish, and fish oil. Some milk is also fortified with vitamin D. If the senior eats a vegan diet or simply doesn’t get enough of these foods, they may be deficient.
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- Too Little Sunshine: Older adults who are housebound usually do not spend enough time outside in the sun. Or, if your aging relative wears long robes or head coverings for religious reasons, their skin may not be exposed to the sun enough.
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- Darker Skin: The melanin that causes darker skin tones may prevent the body from producing vitamin D in response to the sun.
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- Medical Conditions: Some health problems that affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients can lead to vitamin D deficiency. Some conditions that put seniors at higher risk are Crohn’s disease and celiac disease.
- Obesity: Fat cells pull vitamin D out of the blood, taking it out of circulation.
If you’re concerned about vitamin D deficiency in your aging relative, home care can help. Home care providers can drive the senior to the grocery store and assist them in choosing foods that contain vitamin D or have been fortified with it. Home care providers can also make sure that older adults spend a little time in the sun each day, allowing them to boost vitamin D levels while also preventing sunburn.
For more information about hiring Elderly Care in Coronado CA, call the friendly caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare who can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, at 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Jolla, CA, and the surrounding communities.
Sources:
Webmd.com
Medicalnewstoday.com
Mayoclinic.org
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