Bone loss, pain, weakness and problems with normal functioning are all consequences of vitamin D deficiency. Researchers say some medications taken by seniors and some ailments that are particularly common among older people can make the vitamin D deficiency even more acute. In the study, researchers calculated vitamin D intake by recording the eating habits of seniors over a number of days. Generally, those supplements are designed to boost a person's vitamin intake to a recommended minimum level. However researchers say the vitamin D level may be too low for senior shut-ins who may not get the proper diet, but may also not get enough sunlight.
Sunlight helps convert certain molecules to vitamin D in the skin.
Seniors confined indoors don't get the sunlight because glass in the window blocks UV rays that do the vitamin D conversion. Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say it is especially important for people responsible for taking care of seniors to pay attention to what that person is eating and to learn more about the nutritional needs of home bound seniors. That way, the caregiver will know that their friend or loved one is getting an adequate diet to support the best possible lifestyle. Other Topics Health Watch is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.