SpotlightMarch2019

By Jamie Barrie W ell according to a new study on the effects of vitamin D and not the kind you get from being out in the sun, shows that too much may lead to slower reaction times and increase the risk of falling among older adults. I was surprised to learn this as Vitamin D, which we all know is an essential vitamin that helps our bodies build and maintain healthy bones and teeth. Without Vitamin D, our bodies cannot absorb calcium, which is the main component of bone. Our bodies synthesize vitamin D when sunlight reaches the skin. We also get vitamin D from many food sources like salmon, sardines, canned tuna, oysters, and shrimp.

by consuming egg yolks, mushrooms, and forti- fied food products such as soy milk, cereal, and oatmeal when the sun is in short supply, like over the winter months. For older adults, it is crucial to ensure that our bodies get the right amount of vitamin D because the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia may increase. ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH), THE RECOMMENDED DAILY AMOUNT OF VITAMIN D IS: infants 0–12 months: 400 international units (IU) children 1–18 years: 600 IU adults to age 70: 600 IU adults over 70: 800 IU pregnant or lactating women: 600 IU

Those that are vegetarian can obtain this vitamin

78

SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • MARCH 2019

Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog