Vitamin D may help prevent and treat osteoporosis, high blood pressure and cancer

Vitamin D may play a vital role in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with ageing but not enough research has been done in the area, scientists explain in the Journal of Aging and Gerontology.
The number of people aged 65 years and older is expected to more than double from 2012 to 2060. Older adults are at risk for vitamin D deficiency due reduced time outdoors and poor skin absorption of the nutrient. Vitamin D has shown promise in improving bone health and potentially when it comes to a range of other diseases and conditions. Yet not enough research has been carried out for us to be able to maximise on its potential.
So a research team looked at evidence that suggests an association between vitamin D deficiency and chronic diseases associated with ageing such as osteoporosis, cognitive decline, depression, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cancer.
“Vitamin D deficiency is a common, serious medical condition that significantly affects the health and well-being of older adults,” the authors say. “Better understanding the relationship between vitamin D and chronic diseases in older adults and whether treatment of vitamin D deficiency can prevent or treat these disorders is important given the increasing number of people at risk for these health issues.”
Universal guidelines for testing and treating vitamin D deficiency are needed. And research to examine the consistent dosing of vitamin D supplements is necessary.

Where does vitamin D come from?
We get most of the vitamin D we need from sunlight on our skin. Good dietary sources of vitamin D include oily fish (such as salmon, sardines and mackerel), eggs and fortified fat spreads and breakfast cereals.
The NHS recommends that people aged 65 years and older (and anyone not exposed to much sun) should take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms (0.01mg) of vitamin D.

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Click here to read the original research.

Image credits: John Loo (eggs), Laura Dahl (vitamin D) and Yinan Chen <sun)