WHAT CAUSES VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY? Vitamin D deficiency is caused by inadequate sun exposure or the reduced capacity to make and store vitamin D in older people. People under the age of 50 have the capacity to store about six months’ worth of vitamin D after adequate sun exposure, which is usually enough to get us through the winter months, however in older people the ability to synthesise vitamin D in the skin is reduced, leaving them at higher risk of deficiency. Other population groups more prone to deficiency include naturally darker skinned people, pregnant women, and people who cover all their skin with clothing. WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED DAILY INTAKE OF VITAMIN D TO PREVENT VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY? Children and adults under age - 50 5mcg/day Adults in 51-70 age group - 0mcg/day Adults over 70 years - 15mcg/day There is no increased requirement during pregnancy or lactation. WHO IS AT RISK OF GETTING VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY • Older Australians living in the community • Those in residential care with limited mobility • Dark-skinned people • People who have little sun exposure • Breast-fed infants of mothers with low vitamin D levels WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT PEOPLE? There may be no obvious signs or symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. However, without treatment it can lead to significant health effects including poor bone mineralisation (soft bones), rickets (bone deformity) in children and osteomalacia in adults. There have also been links with increased risk of bowel cancer, heart disease, infection and autoimmune diseases, although research is continuing in these areas. 3 4 5 6 DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS 70 Pindara Magazine 2016
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Eight
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