In This Article
Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Aging
In a study published in the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 961 female nursing home residents over the age of 70 were tested for their levels of vitamin D3.
The results were shockingly low – their levels averaged 7 ng/ml. The normal range, as reported by most labs, is 30-100 ng/ml. The optimal range, where vitamin D3 is most active, is 50-80 ng/ml.
The nursing home patients were followed up on after 27 months. In that time, there were 284 deaths. What was more shocking about this report was that those women whose levels were below 5.6 ng/ml had a 49% greater risk of dying than the women whose vitamin D3 levels were over just 10.2 ng/ml.
It would be interesting to see the results if vitamin D3 levels were actually in the normal range above 30 ng/ml or, better yet, in the optimal range between 50-80 ng/ml.
If you have an elderly parent or loved one, make sure their vitamin D levels are tested!
With winter upon us, vitamin D levels will plummet and with them so will the immunity, strength and stamina the elderly need to endure a long hard winter.
