What population is at higher risk for vitamin D deficiency?

What population is at higher risk for vitamin D deficiency?

• A. Older adults
• B. Children
• C. Athletes
• D. Infants

Answer: (A)

Older adults are at higher risk for vitamin D deficiency because aging reduces the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, and this population often has less sun exposure due to mobility limitations, indoor living, clothing, or use of sunscreen. In addition, kidney function commonly declines with age, diminishing the conversion of 25-hydroxyvitamin D to the active form, which can blunt vitamin D activity even if sun exposure or intake is sufficient. Dietary intake of vitamin D is frequently inadequate among older adults, and some have malabsorption or take medications that interfere with vitamin D metabolism. Combined, these factors increase deficiency risk and can impact bone health and muscle function. Infants are typically supplemented and fortified foods support them, while athletes may have more sun exposure and dietary sources, making deficiency less likely in those groups.

Older adults are at higher risk for vitamin D deficiency because aging reduces the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, and this population often has less sun exposure due to mobility limitations, indoor living, clothing, or use of sunscreen. In addition, kidney function commonly declines with age, diminishing the conversion of 25-hydroxyvitamin D to the active form, which can blunt vitamin D activity even if sun exposure or intake is sufficient. Dietary intake of vitamin D is frequently inadequate among older adults, and some have malabsorption or take medications that interfere with vitamin D metabolism. Combined, these factors increase deficiency risk and can impact bone health and muscle function. Infants are typically supplemented and fortified foods support them, while athletes may have more sun exposure and dietary sources, making deficiency less likely in those groups.