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Vitamin D and Bone Health
The importance of vitamin D for bone health, deficiency symptoms, who is at risk, and dietary sources.
English
United Kingdom
HealthLifestyleNutritionDietStudyBone HealthVitamin D
University Of SouthamptonUniversity Hospital SouthamptonSecond NatureNuffield HealthKellogg's
Rosie CarrDr Claire GormanJenna HopeEmma Thornton
- Who is most likely to have a vitamin D deficiency?
- Older adults are more prone to vitamin D deficiency due to decreased physical activity, less sun exposure, and reduced appetite. However, deficiencies can occur at any age if there is insufficient sun exposure, an unhealthy diet, or lack of regular exercise.
- Why is vitamin D so important for our bone health?
- Vitamin D is crucial for bone health because it aids in calcium absorption, supporting bone remodeling and the creation of new tissue. Calcium provides the building blocks for bone growth, density, and strength.
- What bone issues can a vitamin D deficiency lead to?
- A vitamin D deficiency can cause muscle and bone aches, muscle weakness (potentially impacting mobility), and in severe or prolonged cases, osteoporosis (brittle bones). In rare childhood instances, it can lead to rickets, causing bone softening and deformities.
- What are five foods that are good sources of vitamin D?
- Good dietary sources of vitamin D include eggs, mushrooms (especially sun-exposed ones), red meat and offal, salmon and other oily fish, and products fortified with vitamin D like certain cereals and juices.
- What did a recent study find about maternal vitamin D supplementation and children's bone health?
- The study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and led by the University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton, showed that children whose mothers took vitamin D supplements during pregnancy had significantly stronger bones at age seven, with increased calcium and mineral content.