The dangers of long-term vitamin D deficiency: the risk is especially high for the elderly

Long-term vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of fractures and osteoporosis in adults, Olga Ulankina, a doctor and expert at the Hemotest laboratory, told NEWS.ru.

According to her, this problem also increases the likelihood of falls in the elderly due to decreased coordination.

The main function of vitamin D is associated with calcium absorption and maintaining bone strength. If the body is deprived of this element for a long time, bone density gradually decreases. In adults, this increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, and in the elderly, the likelihood of falls due to decreased muscle strength and coordination.

The doctor explained that long-term vitamin D deficiency can also lead to problems with the immune system. According to her, there is a direct link between low levels of this element and increased susceptibility to infections.

"Long-term vitamin D deficiency can also affect the human immune system. Some studies link low levels of this element to increased susceptibility to infections and chronic inflammatory processes. In addition, its possible effect on the cardiovascular system and metabolism is being discussed. The difficulty is that the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency are non-specific. Drowsiness, weakness and decreased energy can also occur in other diseases, such as anemia, chronic stress or thyroid dysfunction," Ulankina concluded.