Insufficient Vitamin D Often Leads To Functional Limitations Among The Elderly

Elderly individuals who have low levels of vitamin D – available from sunlight or supplementation – are more likely to have mobility limitations and see their physical functioning decline over time, according to researchers in The Netherlands. Older people with these limitations often struggle with routine tasks such as dressing or climbing stairs, making them candidates for nursing home care and earlier mortality. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a decline in bone density, muscle weakness, osteoporosis or broken bones. As many as 90 percent of older people are vitamin D deficient