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Hypovitaminosis D: a widespread epidemic.
E Paul Cherniack1, Silvina Levis, Bruce R Troen
1Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA.
Geriatrics
|April 2, 2008
Summary
Vitamin D insufficiency affects many, especially the elderly, leading to serious health issues. Supplementing with at least 2000 IU of vitamin D daily is recommended for older adults to improve health and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Vitamin D insufficiency is a global health concern, particularly impacting the elderly population.
- This deficiency is linked to severe health outcomes, including osteoporosis, falls, cancer risk, and metabolic disturbances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the widespread nature of vitamin D insufficiency.
- To emphasize the health consequences in the elderly.
- To advocate for increased vitamin D supplementation in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on vitamin D insufficiency and its health impacts.
- Analysis of current vitamin D recommendations for the elderly.
- Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of cholecalciferol supplementation.
Main Results:
- Current vitamin D recommendations are often inadequate, especially for the elderly.
- Oral cholecalciferol supplementation at 2000 IU/day is safe, inexpensive, and effective.
- Evidence strongly supports the benefits of vitamin D supplementation.
Conclusions:
- Physicians should consider prescribing at least 2000 IU of oral cholecalciferol daily to all elderly patients.
- Optimizing diagnosis and therapy requires further research.
- Supplementation has significant potential to enhance the quality of life for the elderly.
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