7 Nutrients That May Not Be In Your Diet

Vitamin D

As we grow old, our nutrient needs also vary. Like people with a dark complexion and those who are not exposed to sunlight that much, older adults may lack Vitamin D. This vitamin is quite unique in that its production is initiated by the skin’s normal response to sunlight, hence, those who avoid the sun may not have enough vitamin D in their bodies. Those who have higher melanin levels in their skin are also prone to vitamin D deficiency because their dark complexion acts as a natural sunscreen. In the same manner, older adults are unable to normally produce vitamin D and are most likely deficient of this nutrient.

Age is very important in this case because vitamin D needs increase to twice the requirement after the age of 51. At this age, one needs to have 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D a day which is equal to four glasses of milk. After the 70th year, we need to consume 600 IU of vitamin D per day.

The problem gets even worse because most foods are not good sources of vitamin D. A possible solution to this problem is to consume foods that are fortified with the nutrient like milk, breakfast cereals, and food supplements. These items, working hand in hand, may give you the vitamin D that your body requires.