Vitamin D and why we need it as we age

[Guest guest]

In light of growing evidence of widespread vitamin D deficiency, the

International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has released a new position

statement with increased vitamin D recommendations for older men and women. The

statement was published in Osteoporosis International. Vitamin D is a

fat-soluble vitamin that comes from dietary supplements, foods such as fortified

milk and cereal, certain kinds of fish (including salmon, mackerel, and tuna),

and exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is an important component of bone and muscle

health.

The objective of the new position statement was to make vitamin D

recommendations for older men and women from an evidence-based perspective. The

best indicator of vitamin D levels is the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD),

which is determined by sun exposure and vitamin D intake. Blood levels of

vitamin D decline with age; however, individuals have been shown to respond to

vitamin D supplementation regardless of age. Based on a growing body of

evidence, the IOF has made the following recommendations:

a.. The estimated average vitamin D requirement for older adults to reach

appropriate blood levels of the nutrient is 800 to 1,000 international units

(IU) per day.

b.. Individuals who are obese, have osteoporosis, have limited sun exposure,

or suffer from malabsorption may need to increase their intake to 2,000 IU/day.

c.. High-risk individuals are encouraged to undergo testing to measure blood

levels of vitamin D and then supplement accordingly.

Because there is such a widespread deficiency of vitamin D, the IOF hopes that

the new recommendations will help to prevent falls and fractures in the older

population. People who have questions about the level of vitamin D that’s right

for them are advised to talk with their physician.

Reference: Dawson_hughes B, Mithal A, Bonjour JP, et al. IOF position

statement: Vitamin D recommendations for older adults. Osteoporosis

International. DOI 10:1007/s00198-010-1285-3.

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Simple rules if you think you are having a stroke:

F - Facial numbness or weakness, especially on one side.

A - Arm numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body.

S - Speech is slurred or someone has difficulty in speaking or understanding.

T - Time to call 911. Don't wait if you or someone you're with shows these

signs of stroke.

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Making sense of your cholesterol numbers. Total should be below 200. Your HDL,

which is the good cholesterol should be at least 40 for men and 50 for women.

Optimum is 60 and above. LDL is your bad cholesterol and should be below 130.

Less than 100 is best, especially if you have other risk factors for heart

disease, such as being overwweight or smoking. Triglycerides are another kind

of fat in the blood. They should also be measured after 9-12 hours with nothing

to eat or drink except water. Work toward a number below 150.

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I always thought Will was very funny and I especially like this little

tid bit of his: Try to live your life so that you wouldn't be afraid to sell

the family parrot to the town gossip.

FYI,

Lottie Duthu