Preventing Fractures in the Elderly with Vitamin D
The best sources of vitamin D are dairy products and sunlight. Babies, vegetarians, and the elderly are more susceptible to vitamin D deficiency than other people. Of these people, the elderly have the greatest need for vitamin D. This is evident in the number of cases of the elderly who are diagnosed with osteoporosis and who suffer fractures that are commonly associated with the elderly. There are literally millions of incidents every year of elderly individuals who fall and suffer a bone fracture. Surgery is the only method of treatment and this outlook is not positive for the elderly. Many people accept the risk of bone fractures as part of growing older and basically hope for the best. New studies in vitamin D and the role it plays in preventing fractures may provide the elderly the opportunity for a more enjoyable life.
Vitamin D is primarily responsible for ensuring that calcium is properly absorbed in the body. Vitamin D deficiency is rare because it exists in foods that people consume often, including eggs, fish, and dairy products. Since the elderly may have difficulty absorbing calcium, vitamin D supplements offer them the ability to obtain the vitamin D they need to prevent bone fractures. The reports on vitamin D that indicate that vitamin D may benefit the elderly suggest that those over the age of 80 obtain the most benefit, however, the benchmark age to begin vitamin D supplementation is 65 years old.
The amount of vitamin D that is sufficient to protect the elderly from bone fractures is about 20 micrograms. For vitamin D supplementation to provide this protection, the individual must ensure they are also consuming at least the minimum daily allowance of calcium, which is 1000 milligrams. This amount varies from individual to individual and should be determined by a medical doctor. A doctor may administer a bone mineral density (BMD) test to evaluate the amount of calcium that exists in the bones. A doctor may also inquire about any symptoms. The symptoms that are commonly associated with vitamin D deficiency include spasms, muscle twitching, and tingling in the fingers.
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