DOES VITAMIN D HELP OUR BONES AND OUR MUSCLES? APreviously Unknown Benefit of Vitamin D
As the weather cools and the days get shorter, we can’t rely as much on the sun for our daily dose of vitamin D. The primary function of vitamin D is regulating the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. These nutrients are necessary for strengthening our bones and teeth, which becomes increasingly important as we age and our bones naturally become more brittle. While these benefits of vitamin D are well documented, did you know that getting your daily dose of vitamin D can also contribute to healthier muscles? A few years ago, researchers published a study that seemed to show that vitamin D could potentially help people gain muscle mass. While the research team said their results weren’t conclusive, their findings were certainly interesting.
Vitamin D enters the body in an inactive form. It doesn’t become active until it comes in contact with the right enzymes in either the liver or the kidneys. To learn more about what factors affect this vitamin’s rate of absorption and activation in the body, researchers observed the levels of inactive vitamin D in 116 women ages 20–74. What they found was that women with higher muscle mass had lower levels of inactive vitamin D, while women with lower muscle mass had higher levels of inactive vitamin D. The conclusion researchers drew was that active vitamin D might help optimize muscle strength. While that conclusion is not ironclad, vitamin D’s other well-known benefits still make it worth getting your daily dose. It can aid weight loss, enhance mood, support cardiovascular health, boost the immune system, and strengthen bones,
among many other benefits. So, its potential muscle-boosting properties are just another reason to get more vitamin D. To get more of this important vitamin in your diet, try adding salmon, mushrooms, and even canned tuna to your menu. Also, as winter approaches, it might be time to start taking a vitamin D supplement. Whether you’re 20 or 74 years old, it’s never too late to find ways to strengthen your muscles.
Upcoming (Virtual) Events
BECOME A CERTIFIED DE Van Dyck Law is proud to offer the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Seminar for health care professionals in The Education Center at Van Dyck Law. This is the required seminar for those who are eligible to pursue certification as a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) or for those who just want to enhance their dementia education! This seminar is suited to health care professionals and those valuable front- line staff with training or experience in a geriatric care setting who are eligible to apply for the Certified Dementia Practitioner designation. The seminar is valuable to nurses, CNAs, geriatric care managers, social workers, administrators, facility owners, OTs, PTs, speech therapists, activities staff, as well as therapeutic recreation and pastoral care personnel.
AT THE EDUCATION CENTER AT VAN DYCK LAW
Nov. 18: Creating a Gratitude Practice During Challenging Times Time: 10 a.m. Dec. 9: Holiday Stress for the Family Caregiver Time: 10 a.m. Other Information: This is a virtual presentation. Dec. 17: What You Need to Know for the Second Half of Life Time: 11 a.m. If there is a topic you would like to hear more about through The Education Center, we will do our best to make sure that topic gets on our calendar. For any questions about these events or the Education Center in general, call (609) 580-1044.
While you might still be hesitant about leaving your home for unnecessary trips around town, you can still participate in any of these upcoming events through The Education Center at Van Dyck Law since they will be available to attend virtually. If some of these events interest you, stay up to date on the latest info on our website and social media.
Oct. 14: Dementia and Driving Time: 10 a.m.
Oct. 21: Grieving the Living Time: 10 a.m.
Nov. 4: The Gift of Gratitude Time: 2 p.m.
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