What Are The 5 Signs Of Vitamin D Deficiency In Seniors?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps in the absorption and retention of calcium, magnesium and. The main function of Vitamin D is to help balance the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body that are required to form teeth and bones to help nerves to carry messages between the brain and the body. To help our muscles contract and keep our body cells functioning well.

Vitamin D deficiency is a common condition among people of all ages, but senior loved ones are more prone to suffer from this deficiency. The symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency are often subtle in the case of seniors and can easily be confused with other diseases. So, knowing where Vitamin D comes from, the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency that senior loved ones can experience and how your beloved seniors can address this issue will help them lead a much healthier life.

How is Vitamin D produced?

Vitamin D is produced by our body in a chemical reaction when our body comes in contact with UV rays from sunlight. Food such as dairy products, cereals, and orange juice can help our senior loved ones get Vitamin D but the amount of Vitamin D they contain does not meet the recommended daily allowance (6OO IU for adults aged 19-70 years, 800 IU for adults over 70.)

A number of factors can play a role in Vitamin D deficiency in senior loved ones. Our beloved seniors spend their time mostly indoors and thus they get minimum exposure to sunlight. Also, aging can cause our skin to get thin due to which Vitamin D synthesis becomes poor. Reduced appetite and poor absorption of nutrients can aggravate Vitamin D deficiency further.

Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency in Seniors:-

Muscle Weakness:-

Vitamin D deficiency in seniors is strongly linked to muscle weakness. Senior loved ones often feel difficulties climbing stairs or standing up. They also experience heaviness in their legs. Vitamin D, as we know is required for bone health. Vitamin D deficiency has been known for increasing the risk of falls and fractures in seniors which sometimes can prove fatal.

Weight Gain:-

Vitamin D plays a major role in regulating body weight. Research has shown that Vitamin D deficiency is linked with obesity whereas increased Vitamin D level has been associated with the reduction of fat in the body. Vitamin D controls the level of "Leptin" in the body, the hormone that prevents hunger and reduces fat storage in the body.

Issues with Digestion:-

Vitamin D deficiency can cause Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), a group of inflammatory conditions of the colon and small intestine. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the principal types of IBD. Inflammatory Bowel Disease may interfere with the process o dietary fat absorption ( by the intestine). This condition can also cause nutritional deficiencies to add to the woes.

Mood Swings and Cognitive changes:-

Vitamin D regulates immune functions and the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin that affects our moods. Studies have shown that Vitamin D deficiency is associated with mental disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, etc. If your senior loved ones feel exhausted and depressed all the time, it may be caused due to deficiency of Vitamin D. Moreover, low vitamin D level can cause cognitive decline and increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Tiredness:-

Our senior loved ones who feel tired all the time may have Vitamin D deficiency. They can also experience pain in the shoulder, lower back, and rib cage.

If your senior loved ones are showing any of these above-mentioned symptoms then consult a doctor immediately. Elder Care Service providers in Kolkata provide doctor’s assistance services and pathology Services at home that can be availed for your beloved seniors. Also, lifestyle changes and over- counter Vitamin D can help your senior loved ones with Vitamin D deficiency.

Debosree is a professional writer working in the Senior Care Field for quite a long time. She has written many informative blogs and articles on the senior care facilities that are available. He has a great reader base.