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Vitamin D may be key to healthy aging

Category: Vitamin D Deficiency-Diagnosis and Treatment

Older individuals may want to have their vitamin D levels tested, as experts believe the vitamin may help improve the mood of seniors while lowering their risk of heart disease and some cancers.

Vitamin D deficiency has become a larger problem in recent years, especially among seniors. The primary source of the nutrient is sun exposure, however many older individuals spend much of their time indoors or protect their skin with sunscreen.

The vitamin has been shown to have a wide range of health benefits, and seniors who get more it tend to lead healthier lives. Dr Richard Honaker, a physician in the Dallas area, told NBC news that vitamin D deficiency is on rise, leading to many potential health problems.

"If you're low on vitamin D, your immune system does not function as well or you're more susceptible to infections," he told the news source. "There's a greater incidence of heart attacks and strokes in people that are vitamin D-deficient versus people who are OK on their vitamin D levels."

As much as 77 percent of adults may have low levels of vitamin D, according to the American Medical Association.