Recent findings highlight the crucial role of vitamin D in the health of older adults, particularly in preventing frailty and maintaining bone density.
Research indicates that many seniors are at risk of vitamin D deficiency due to factors like limited sun exposure and inadequate dietary intake
A consensus among experts suggests that older adults should aim for a daily intake of 800 to 1,000 IU of vitamin D to support bone health and reduce the risk of falls and fractures.
Studies have shown that low doses of vitamin D can effectively lower fall risks in older individuals, while infrequent high doses may actually increase this risk.
Furthermore, supplementation combined with calcium has been found to significantly decrease the incidence of hip fractures among the elderly.
Interestingly, a recent study involving mice suggests that much higher doses—up to 4,000 IU daily—may be necessary to slow the progression of frailty.
This aligns with calls for further research into optimal dosages for older adults to enhance their long-term health outcomes and functional capacity.