11/10/11

Practitioner, professor, and researcher David Thomas, MD, sorts through the facts and myths about vit­amin D in the elderly. This is the first of a 2-part series. Next month’s column will discuss calcium.

 

Most people don’t get enough vitamin D. This is especially true of elders in long-term care facilities, as these people often spend most of their time inside and don’t get enough direct sunlight – the best source of vitamin D. Seniors in northern latitudes (such as Boston or Minneapolis) are even less likely to get enough sunlight. So if it is important to work with your doctor to help make sure your elder family member/friend gets the vitamin D he/she needs.

Why is vitamin D so important? Lack of vitamin D, or vitamin D deficiency, puts people at risk for osteoporosis (a disease that weakens bones), muscle weakness, falls, and fractures. Scientific studies have shown that 800 international units of daily vitamin D, along with 1,200 milligrams of calcium, can reduce the risk of falls and fractures in the elderly. This is important, as falls and fractures can result in hospitalizations (and complications such as pressure sores) and even death.

Sunlight is one source of vitamin D, and just 5-30 minutes of sunshine on bare arms and legs twice a week between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. is helpful. But this isn’t always possible or practical. Foods such as tuna or salmon, beef livers, shitake mushrooms, and dairy products are another vitamin D source. Unfortunately, sunlight and food still may not be enough. So supplementation may be necessary. The dose and form of supplementation will vary from person to person.

In recent years, there have been many studies about the value of vitamin D for everything from preventing cancer and heart disease to improving memory. However, it is important to realize that more studies are needed to prove these benefits. There are still many unknowns and questions about vitamin D benefits. It is important to discuss any questions you have with your physician.

Questions to Ask Your Physician:·

• How do I know if my family member/friend isn’t getting enough vitamin D?

• What kind of supplements might be best for my family member/friend?

• How can I help make sure my family member/friend gets enough sunlight?

• What are the proven benefits of vitamin D?

What You Can Do:

• Encourage your family member/friend to choose snacks that are high in vitamin D and calcium, such as milk, ice cream, and yogurt.

• Take your family member/friend for regular walks around the facility grounds, or take him/her out on the patio for visits.

• Talk to your physician or another health professional about the best/safest dose of vitamin D supplements for your family member/friend.

For more information:

• Vitamin D: www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-d/NS_patient-vitamind

• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind

• Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Heart Failure Death: www.caringfortheages.com/index.php?id=495&cHash=071010&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=2121

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