Can Vitamin D Deficiency Problems Increase With Age?

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How does ageing impact the body's ability to absorb vitamin D?
Yes. With age, nutrient absorption decreases, increasing the risk of deficiencies like vitamin D. Age-related changes in cells, especially those of the kidney and skin reduce vitamin D synthesis and absorption. Vitamin D deficiency causes osteoporosis, diabetes, and cognitive decline, but supplementation boosts health and strengthens bones. Deficiency affects epigenetics, accelerates ageing, and raises chronic disease risk.

Last Updated on February 22, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta

As the age of a person progresses, their cell functions start to decline, organs do not function well, and tissues stiffen. This results in vision changes, hearing and movement difficulties, and disease risk. As we age, our bodies become less adept at absorbing nutrients like vitamin D. This leads to fatigue, brittle bones, and even cognitive decline. In this article, let us explore how vitamin D deficiency symptoms in adults impact the body as we age and their risks.

Why does vitamin D absorption decrease with age?

With increasing age, the cells functioning capacity decreases. This affects every cell in the body. Therefore, the cells and organs responsible for the absorption of vitamin D also start deteriorating. Due to the lack of functioning of the cells in the ageing kidney, renal function progressively declines. As a result, the ageing kidney is also less able to produce an active form of vitamin D from its inactive form.

Similarly, with age, the skin surface decreases slowly, leading to a smaller surface area for vitamin D synthesis. The enzymes in the skin that play an important role in converting the inactive form of vitamin D to its active form become less effective over the years.

What are the risks of vitamin D deficiency in older people?

Vitamin D insufficiency in older people may result in osteoporosis, osteomalacia, sarcopenia, and myalgia. Vitamin D deficiency may increase the chances of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Grown-up adults (over 65 years) with deficient vitamin D levels are more likely to develop cognitive impairment than those with proper vitamin D levels. Lack of vitamin D can also hinder the circulation of calcium throughout the body among older people. This is because as we age, the cells in the gastrointestinal tract may not effectively absorb calcium, which is crucial for the circulation of calcium throughout the body. Vitamin D absorption is important for this process. Studies show that low vitamin D also decreases memory functioning. In these older adults, it can further amplify depression occurrences. 

On the brighter side, for women, especially pregnant mothers, taking sufficient levels of vitamin D supplementation may protect them from depression. Vitamin D deficiency disease in older women is more pronounced after the onset of menopause.

Is vitamin D helpful for older adults?

Vitamin D doesn’t stop being important as you age; it’s key to staying healthy. Here’s how

  • Improving mental health: The use of vitamin D is effective for improving mental health and can address some major problems, such as depression, in older people. An analysis in a study based on more than 5,600 older adults connected lower vitamin D levels to depressive symptoms, like loneliness, not enjoying one’s life, and insomnia. Among the studied participants, mental health problems were more intensely reported among those with the least vitamin D. 
  • Promoting bone health: Vitamin D is quite vital to maintaining optimal bone health. In certain studies, hip fracture incidence was found to be reduced in the group of patients with vitamin D intake. It also produces a 14% decrease in the rate of non-vertebral fractures.

Osteomalacia, also known as ‘soft bone disease’, is a metabolic bone condition that is caused by an insufficient mineralization process in the bone tissue. This condition is caused by a lack of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate, resulting in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate deficiency that makes bones weaker and softer. Vitamin D supplementation may lead to an increase in bone mineral density.

  • Diabetes and vitamin D: Some studies state that vitamin D deficiency in older adults could result in type 2 diabetes. In addition, it can also promote insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. 

How does vitamin D supplementation help aging?

Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression caused by factors other than alterations in the DNA sequence. Vitamin D deficiency symptoms in adults, especially in the older population, are known to influence epigenetics. In this study, the vitamin D-deficient population began to age faster. Lack of vitamin D induces DNA methylation alterations, which means the genes that keep your cells working properly are switched off. These epigenetic changes have been associated with the development of chronic diseases. Thus, studying the effects of vitamin D deficiency provides an invaluable understanding of the mechanisms underlying the health issues of ageing.

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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How does ageing impact the body's ability to absorb vitamin D?
Yes. With age, nutrient absorption decreases, increasing the risk of deficiencies like vitamin D. Age-related changes in cells, especially those of the kidney and skin reduce vitamin D synthesis and absorption. Vitamin D deficiency causes osteoporosis, diabetes, and cognitive decline, but supplementation boosts health and strengthens bones. Deficiency affects epigenetics, accelerates ageing, and raises chronic disease risk.

Last Updated on February 22, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

How does ageing impact the body's ability to absorb vitamin D?
Yes. With age, nutrient absorption decreases, increasing the risk of deficiencies like vitamin D. Age-related changes in cells, especially those of the kidney and skin reduce vitamin D synthesis and absorption. Vitamin D deficiency causes osteoporosis, diabetes, and cognitive decline, but supplementation boosts health and strengthens bones. Deficiency affects epigenetics, accelerates ageing, and raises chronic disease risk.

Last Updated on February 22, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

How does ageing impact the body's ability to absorb vitamin D?
Yes. With age, nutrient absorption decreases, increasing the risk of deficiencies like vitamin D. Age-related changes in cells, especially those of the kidney and skin reduce vitamin D synthesis and absorption. Vitamin D deficiency causes osteoporosis, diabetes, and cognitive decline, but supplementation boosts health and strengthens bones. Deficiency affects epigenetics, accelerates ageing, and raises chronic disease risk.

Last Updated on February 22, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

How does ageing impact the body's ability to absorb vitamin D?
Yes. With age, nutrient absorption decreases, increasing the risk of deficiencies like vitamin D. Age-related changes in cells, especially those of the kidney and skin reduce vitamin D synthesis and absorption. Vitamin D deficiency causes osteoporosis, diabetes, and cognitive decline, but supplementation boosts health and strengthens bones. Deficiency affects epigenetics, accelerates ageing, and raises chronic disease risk.

Last Updated on February 22, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

How does ageing impact the body's ability to absorb vitamin D?
Yes. With age, nutrient absorption decreases, increasing the risk of deficiencies like vitamin D. Age-related changes in cells, especially those of the kidney and skin reduce vitamin D synthesis and absorption. Vitamin D deficiency causes osteoporosis, diabetes, and cognitive decline, but supplementation boosts health and strengthens bones. Deficiency affects epigenetics, accelerates ageing, and raises chronic disease risk.

Last Updated on February 22, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

More in

Questions
Fact Check
Interviews
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Videos
How does ageing impact the body's ability to absorb vitamin D?
Yes. With age, nutrient absorption decreases, increasing the risk of deficiencies like vitamin D. Age-related changes in cells, especially those of the kidney and skin reduce vitamin D synthesis and absorption. Vitamin D deficiency causes osteoporosis, diabetes, and cognitive decline, but supplementation boosts health and strengthens bones. Deficiency affects epigenetics, accelerates ageing, and raises chronic disease risk.

Last Updated on February 22, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

How does ageing impact the body's ability to absorb vitamin D?
Yes. With age, nutrient absorption decreases, increasing the risk of deficiencies like vitamin D. Age-related changes in cells, especially those of the kidney and skin reduce vitamin D synthesis and absorption. Vitamin D deficiency causes osteoporosis, diabetes, and cognitive decline, but supplementation boosts health and strengthens bones. Deficiency affects epigenetics, accelerates ageing, and raises chronic disease risk.

Last Updated on February 22, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

How does ageing impact the body's ability to absorb vitamin D?
Yes. With age, nutrient absorption decreases, increasing the risk of deficiencies like vitamin D. Age-related changes in cells, especially those of the kidney and skin reduce vitamin D synthesis and absorption. Vitamin D deficiency causes osteoporosis, diabetes, and cognitive decline, but supplementation boosts health and strengthens bones. Deficiency affects epigenetics, accelerates ageing, and raises chronic disease risk.

Last Updated on February 22, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

How does ageing impact the body's ability to absorb vitamin D?
Yes. With age, nutrient absorption decreases, increasing the risk of deficiencies like vitamin D. Age-related changes in cells, especially those of the kidney and skin reduce vitamin D synthesis and absorption. Vitamin D deficiency causes osteoporosis, diabetes, and cognitive decline, but supplementation boosts health and strengthens bones. Deficiency affects epigenetics, accelerates ageing, and raises chronic disease risk.

Last Updated on February 22, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

How does ageing impact the body's ability to absorb vitamin D?
Yes. With age, nutrient absorption decreases, increasing the risk of deficiencies like vitamin D. Age-related changes in cells, especially those of the kidney and skin reduce vitamin D synthesis and absorption. Vitamin D deficiency causes osteoporosis, diabetes, and cognitive decline, but supplementation boosts health and strengthens bones. Deficiency affects epigenetics, accelerates ageing, and raises chronic disease risk.

Last Updated on February 22, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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