It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Vitamin D to the Rescue

Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, can enhance the body's ability to fend off infections, help prevent heart disease, increase bone health, enhance moods, prevent some cancers, and protect against some autoimmune diseases and diabetes.

Because many seniors do not get 15 minutes of sunlight a day and do not each food rich in vitamin D (fatty fish, fortified milk), it may be wise to take a supplement.

Ask your physician if you should be taking the recommended amount for 51-70 year olds (400IU) or 71+ year olds (600 IU).

Studies have shown that vitamin D also helps with memory, attention, and logic.

For more on vitamins and supplements, visit 50somethinginfo.com

Exercise, Vitamin D Tied to Fewer Falls

Falls are the leading cause of death, disability and loss of independence for people 65 and older.

According to a new review of 54 studies and 26,000 participants in the United States, exercise that includes balance, strength, flexibility, weight training and general physical activity reduces the risk of falling by 13%.

Vitamin D supplementation reduces the risk of falling by 17%.

Vitamin D

In a study of American women over 70, those with low blood levels of vitamin D were 2 1/2 times more likely to die in 6 years than those with high blood levels.

The recommended daily dosage, according to the National Academy of Sciences, should be increased to 800 - 1,000 units of Vitamin D.

For more on clinical trials involving vitamins, visit 50somethinginfo.com