Vitamin D is very important for adults over 70. 42% of Americans are deficient in vitamin D. The number of older adults deficient in vitamin D almost doubles in winter.
Those most at risk of deficiency include the housebound, people with chronic disease and lung conditions, as well as smokers, the obese and people who are inactive.
Main Sources of Vitamin D
- Sunlight
It can be produced from 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure. Make sure to stay safe in the sun.
- Food
Through rich food sources like oily fish, eggs, liver and fortified foods.
- Supplements
These can be prescribed by your doctor or bought over the counter as a 1 a day vitamin,
Food Fortification
Not everyone takes supplements. In most countries the food is not rich enough in vitamins to provide enough Vitamin D. Finland have mandatory food fortification and even though they are at a higher latitude than most countries. This means less sunlight – less than 1 per cent of their population are vitamin D deficient.
Recent research shows vitamin D helps prevent respiratory illness and benefits immune function. The Tilda report says that “maintaining a sufficient vitamin D status may therefore be of benefit in the Covid-19 pandemic”.
When to Seek Medical Attention
You should talk to your doctor before taking supplements to determine if they are necessary and to rule out any potential interactions with prescription medications.
Why not enjoy a cup of tea while reading the TILDA report? You can do so with your very own Uccello Kettle right here.
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