lifesproutle The Power of Vitamin D for Older Adults’ Health: New Discoveries
Exploring the Link Between Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Wellness
It is well known that without enough vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or deformed. Sufficient vitamin D prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Along with calcium, vitamin D also helps protect older adults from osteoporosis. Discover the latest insights from the realm of health as Lifesproutle delves into groundbreaking research about vitamin D’s potential impact on older adults. From heart health to overall well-being, vitamin D’s benefits are receiving newfound attention. Explore the nuances of this vital nutrient and its potential effects on cardiovascular events.
Vitamin D: A Multifaceted Nutrient with Potential Cardiovascular Benefits
While vitamin D is renowned for its role in fortifying immunity and bone health, emerging research highlights its possible cardiovascular advantages. Recent studies suggest that supplementing with vitamin D might mitigate the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular incidents.
How much vitamin D do I need a day?
Older adults need about 600 – 800 IU of vitamin D per day, depending on your age. You can get vitamin D through a combination of sun exposure and foods rich in vitamin D, including salmon, eggs, sardines, liver, white mushrooms, and fortified foods.
Too much vitamin D is not good. Since vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, taking too much can put you at risk of serious poisoning including adverse side effects like kidney stones and high blood calcium levels. Our experts say it’s best not to consume more than 4,000 IU per day, which is a tolerable higher intake.
Unveiling a Promising Study: Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Wellness
A noteworthy study featured in the British Medical Journal observed a diverse group of older adults aged 60 to 84. Participants were categorized into two segments: one receiving a placebo and the other benefiting from a vitamin D supplement of 60,000 IU per month (equating to approximately 2,000 IU per day) for up to five years. Analysis was conducted on the data of over 16,800 participants who remained consistent with their tablet consumption.
Throughout the study duration, roughly 1,336 significant cardiovascular events were documented, encompassing heart attacks, strokes, and procedures addressing coronary artery disease. Intriguingly, the group supplemented with vitamin D exhibited a slightly reduced rate of major heart issues compared to the placebo group, particularly among those initially on heart medications like statins.
Interpreting the Implications: Vitamin D’s Potential Role
While these results are thought-provoking, it’s important to acknowledge that the findings didn’t reach statistical significance. Previous studies have not always associated vitamin D supplementation with major heart concerns. Consequently, fostering heart health entails a holistic approach involving a well-balanced diet, physical activity, abstaining from smoking, moderating alcohol intake, managing blood pressure, and monitoring cholesterol levels. Adhering to prescribed medications and maintaining regular healthcare appointments further contribute to comprehensive heart care.
What should I look for in a vitamin D supplement?
As the scientific community unravels vitamin D’s potential contributions to cardiovascular health, Lifesproutle encourages you to stay informed and proactive. Elevate your well-being by embracing a holistic approach to heart health, incorporating a diverse diet, staying active, and adhering to personalized medical advice.
Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before going to market, it’s incredibly important to thoroughly research each supplement you add to your regimen and speak with your healthcare provider before doing so. Look for options that have been tested for purity, potency, and safety by a credible third-party organization.
Our team of registered dietitians spent months analyzing dozens of vitamin D supplements to bring you our top-tested recommendations for the best vitamin D supplements on the market.
Signs of vitamin D deficiency
LifeSproutle recommends speaking with your healthcare provider if you suspect a vitamin D deficiency, as they can take bloodwork and then recommend the appropriate supplementation dosage based on your current levels. Some common signs of vitamin D deficiency include:
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
- Muscle pain and weakness
- Reduced immune function
- Increased inflammation
- Frequent infections
- Rickets (in children)
- Bone disorders
Source: goodhousekeeping.com
