A new study has said that taking Vitamin D supplements does not have any health benefits for people over the age of 70. Study was conducted on a many groups of people above the age group of 70. A group of 70 year olds were given 300 micrograms , 600 micrograms and 1200 micrograms of vitamin D for a year and showed no change in bone mineral density also known as BMD. The study was published this month in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Terry Aspray a researcher at the Newcastle University’s Institute of Cellular Medicine and study author said in a news release , “Vitamin D deficiency is common in older people, and it may lead to bone loss, impairment of muscle function and an increased risk of falls and fractures. The results from previous studies assessing the effect of vitamin D on bone mineral density have yielded conflicting results, and our study is a significant contribution to the current debate.” Less bone density can be risky in older adults as it can result in an injury during a fall.
A recent report from the National Safety Council said that falls are third leading cause of preventable deaths in the US. Figures have also revealed that the falls killed nearly 30,000 Americans over the age of 65 in 2016. The risk of falling not just jeopardizes the life of the person but also takes away the confidence and self esteem of the person. At the same time the study of Vitamin D showed that 40 micrograms per day of the supplement helped to increase the bone metabolism.
In order to help with the bone health, the researchers said that older people must concentrate on eating healthier, getting enough sun light and exercising regularly. According to the current guidance, people with deficiency of Vitamin D must consider taking supplements.
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