Vitamin D deficiency could hasten death in frail older people. Researchers collected data from more than 4,300 American over 60 around the country. Those who were frail, with weak muscles, unintended weight loss, impaired walking or exhaustion, were twice as likely to die during follow-up as robust elders. But frail older people with low blood levels of vitamin D were three times more likely to die than healthier peers with good vitamin D levels.
This is of particular concern because so many older people don’t get much sunshine, either because they can’t get outside easily or because they have been advised to avoid sun for health reasons. Unless they are getting vitamin D supplements, their blood levels of this critical nutrient are likely to be low. Monitoring vitamin D levels may be especially important for these vulnerable seniors.
[European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, online June 13, 2012]
The People's Perspective on Medicine