Vitamin D: Even more important as we age

A recent study in Italy assessed nearly 1,000 people over 65 years old and found a strong relationship between poorer physical performance and lower vitamin D status.

It’s well known that vitamin D plays an important role in bone health through interactions with calcium in our bodies. (Vitamin D is predominantly gained via exposure to the sun.)

But vitamin D also plays a significant role in the functioning of heart and skeletal muscle, immunity, and in anti-cancer activity.

The role of vitamin D on muscle function has been the subject of a number of studies with older people, as balance problems, muscle weakness and deteriorating physical performance can result in falls and functional disability in this growing segment of the population.

Source: Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, April 2007