Vitamin D deficiency expected to rise following the outbreak of Covid-19

Vitamin D is very important for adults over 70. Each year in Ireland, one-in-eight older adults are deficient in vitamin D. The number of older adults deficient in vitamin D almost doubles in winter. This number is expected to be much higher worldwide now due to restrictions on movement following the outbreak of Covid-19.

Those most at risk of deficiency include the housebound, people with chronic disease and lung conditions, as well as smokers, the obese and people who are inactive.

Adults over 70 who are cocooning under coronavirus measures could be at a high risk of vitamin D deficiency as they may lack opportunity for sun exposure.

There are three main sources of vitamin D

• Sunlight

           It can be produced from 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure (before application of sun cream).

• Food

Through rich food sources like oily fish, eggs, liver and fortified foods.

• Supplements

Food Fortification

Not everyone takes supplements. In most countries the food is not rich enough in vitamins to provide enough Vitamin D. Finland have mandatory food fortification and even though they are at a higher latitude than most countries. This means less sunlight – less than 1 per cent of their population are vitamin D deficient.

The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (Tilda)

Recent research shows vitamin D helps prevent respiratory illness and benefits immune function. The Tilda report says that “maintaining a sufficient vitamin D status may therefore be of benefit in the Covid-19 pandemic”.

British Dietetic Association

British Dietetic Association spokesperson Priya Tew says: ‘It can be difficult in the UK to meet our vitamin D needs through sunlight and diet alone. For this reason, it is recommended that over-65s take a supplement of vitamin D. Try to get out in the sun for 10-15 minutes a day without sunscreen, too.’

You can buy vitamin D supplements at most pharmacies and supermarkets but be sure not to take more than 25 micrograms per day, as it could be harmful. Also, while some sunlight is beneficial, remember to cover up or protect your skin if you are out in the sun for long periods.

Netherlands

A six-year study from the Netherlands found that seniors aged 65-88 with a vitamin D deficiency are nearly twice as likely to have a physical limitation compared to seniors with the highest vitamin levels.

Seek Medical Advice

You should talk to your doctor before taking supplements to determine if they are necessary and to rule out any potential interactions with prescription medications.

If you are Cocooning, we hope that some of this information may be beneficial to you and we hope that you and your loved ones stay safe.

For information on supplementation please follow the links below:

https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/food-and-diet/do-i-need-vitamin-supplements/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707720/

To purchase your own Uccello Kettle, please follow the link below:

https://www.uccellodesigns.com/where-to-buy/