Getting older can mean that our health becomes more and more difficult to manage. As we age, our nutritional needs can change, and one nutrient that is often forgotten is Vitamin D. Known for its essential role in bone and mental health, vitamin D is essential for supporting your body function. For adults who are moving into retirement, or in their postmenopausal phase of life, getting enough vitamin D is essential.
The body's natural ability to produce natural vitamin D through exposure to sunlight decreases as we age, but there are many vitamin D tablets and supplement solutions out there to consider. Our article is here to explore why getting vitamin D is essential, especially as we move into the later stages of life, as well as when to consider vitamin supplements. To learn more about this essential nutrient and how to incorporate it into your life with ease, keep on reading.
Understanding Vitamin D & Types
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin which helps to regulate the amounts of calcium and phosphate that are in the human body. Your body will naturally produce vitamin D as a response to sun exposure, meaning a natural source of vitamin D can come from being in sunlight. These nutrients are essential for keeping bones, teeth and muscles healthy. A lack of vitamin D can lead to a range of difficulties and bone problems. Vitamin D is also essential for brain health, your immune system and regulating inflammation.
Types Of Vitamin D
There are two main types of vitamin D, which are vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Read below to understand the different types of vitamin D.
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Vitamin D2 is a form of vitamin D that is produced by humans and added to foods, typically coming from plants.
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Vitamin D3 is the form of vitamin D that is produced in the skin when someone is exposed to sunlight. It also comes from animals and animal based foods.
The Importance Of Vitamin D In Later Life
Understanding the importance of vitamin D later in life is essential, so that you can understand how to take care of your health and wellness as you age.
Immune System Function
Vitamin D plays an essential role in supporting your immune system. Your immune system is just one area that can weaken as we age, making you more susceptible to illnesses and infections. In later life, your body may struggle to fight off illnesses as a result of a weakened immune system. Vitamin D however, can help to reduce the frequency of infections and illnesses, by providing you with the necessary nutrients to support a healthy immune system.
Bone Health
As we get older, our bones naturally lose density over time, making them more susceptible to fractures or breaking. Vitamin D is known for its ability to help the body absorb calcium, helping to improve bone strength. For those who are moving into later life, taking vitamin D supplements or getting a good amount of vitamin D can help with reducing the risk of fractures, osteoporosis and other bone related issues. It can also help with the recovery from bone related problems too.
Muscle Strength & Balance
Muscle loss and balance issues are also common as we get older, putting us more at risk of accidental injuries and breaking bones from falling. Vitamin D is very effective in helping maintain muscle function, helping with strength and balance. This can make daily activities and even gentle exercise much safer for older age groups. It can enable senior individuals to stay active for longer, which is beneficial for their wellness.
Mental Health & Mood
Vitamin D has been found to have a link to our brain health. The vitamin has been found to show support for cognitive function and reducing the severity of mental health conditions such as depression. Mental health disorders can become more severe and more prevalent in later life as we age, and getting enough vitamin D is crucial in combating this. By maintaining vitamin D levels, older age groups may be able to improve their mood and memory.
Cardiovascular Health
Some research shows us that vitamin D can help with regulating blood pressure and heart health by reducing inflammation. Cardiovascular disease is a serious condition that can impact older age groups, and vitamin D can play a supportive role in managing healthy heart function.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Failing to get enough vitamin D can lead to many issues, as well as a vitamin D deficiency. Some of the signs you have a vitamin D deficiency might be:
Ways To Get Vitamin D
Now that we’ve looked at the importance of getting vitamin D and incorporating it into our lives, we’re going to explore some of the best ways that you can get vitamin D in a way that suits your lifestyle.
Food Sources
Food is a great way to source more vitamin D and incorporate it into your life through diet. While sunlight is a primary source, foods can be another healthy way to get the nutrients you need. You can carry out your own research on the foods you like with the best vitamin D nutrients, but some general examples include:
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Fatty fish
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Egg yolks
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Dairy products
Sunlight
Sunlight is one of the most natural and efficient ways to obtain vitamin D, however as we age, our skin becomes less efficient at producing vitamin D from sunlight. It can also be difficult during the winter months to get enough sunlight, especially with the shorter days and colder temperatures. But, during the summer months, spending time outdoors is great for helping your physical and mental health.
Supplements
While getting sunlight and creating a vitamin D high diet can be beneficial, you may still be struggling to feel the effects or get enough vitamin D in your body. In this case, there are a wide range of supplements out there to help you get the nutrients your body needs with ease. From liquid vitamin D3 to vegan vitamin D options, there are many supplements out there to cater to all groups. They can be useful all year around, or just in winter months when it is physically harder to get as much sunlight. Before you decide to start taking vitamin D supplements, you should consult with a doctor to ensure you are supplementing the right amount.
Other Ways To Support Your Health In Later Life
While vitamin D is an essential part of health and wellbeing as we get older, there are several other ways to take care of yourself in later life. Some useful ways to maintain well being in senior years could include:
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Regular exercise - Regular exercise doesn’t need to be strenuous or intense, but could include stretching and walking, helping to keep the body and mind healthy.
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A healthy diet - Aside from incorporating vitamin D rich foods, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is also important for staying healthy.
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Socialising - Socialising may not seem like it impacts us as we get older, but it can have a great effect on our mental health. As it becomes more difficult for us to get out and socialise as we grow older, it becomes increasingly important to do so for our mental health.
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Regular health checkups - Regular health check ups are another essential way to take care of yourself, especially in later years. Regular doctors visits and health checks can help you stay on top of issues and give preventative measures for illnesses and conditions.
Pro D3: High Strength Vitamin D Supplements For Your Health
Keeping up on your vitamin D intake is extremely important as you age, and finding the right supplement for your lifestyle. If you're searching for quality vitamin D tablets that work, look no further. Here at Pro D3, we offer a wide selection of vitamin D supplements. From high strength vitamin D to vegan vitamin D and liquid vitamin D3 supplements, we offer a range of products designed to suit anyone.
Our products are designed to help you support your health and wellness with ease. To learn more about our range of vitamin D supplements, feel free to browse our website or get in touch with our team today for more information.