INDEX TO PAST COLUMNS
July 8, 1997
"There may be some impairment of vitamin D metabolism as one ages..."
NEXT WEEK:
Embarrassed at being a vegetarian?
If you have a question or concern about healthy dietary
choices, send it to us in an e-mail message, and
we'll forward it to Dr. Attwood.
Vitamin-D Deficiencies?
I've heard that some of
us, as we grow older, run the risk of deficiencies in
vitamin D. What causes this, and how can we prevent it?
There may be some
impairment of vitamin D metabolism as one ages, but my
opinion is that many elderly people get inadequate
sunlight. This is especially true among the disabled.
Throughout most of our lives, adequate vitamin D is
manufactured by exposure to the skim to a minimum of
10-15 minutes of sunlight three times a week. If this
isn't possible, a vitamin D supplement or fortified food
is recommended.
Here, I should also point out that excessive direct sunlight exposure to the skin may lead to skin cancer. For this reason, I wear a straw hat with a wide brim.
Your
Turn: Post
your comments and suggestions on this topic.
About Dr. Attwood.
