29 January 2014
A new study from Amman, Jordan, reports that most newborns in the region are severely deficient in vitamin D.
The prospective cohort study measured the vitamin D concentrations in blood samples of 3731 newborns within 96 hours of birth (1). The study results showed that 94% of the newborns were vitamin D deficient (below 50 nmol/L) with a median vitamin D level of only 8.6 nmol/L. Lower gestational age, maternal smoke exposure, and birth during winter months were associated with lower infant vitamin D levels, while vitamin D supplementation and time spent outside during pregnancy were associated with higher vitamin D levels.
The researchers concluded that the prevalence of severely low vitamin D levels in newborn infants in Jordan is substantial, even in newborns born during the spring and summer months. They said vitamin D supple- mentation is needed in this population. Vitamin D deficiency is well recognized in many Middle Eastern countries.
1 January 2011
Adequate calcium and vitamin D intakes are essential for bone repair and prevention of further falls of elderly patients hospitalized for hip fracture, says a new review.
1 March 2015
Since older people often do not process food well, old age may be considered a risk factor for inadequate micronutrient uptake. In the course of the natural aging process, several bodily functions deteriorate. An insufficient supply of micronutrients to the organism can accelerate the natural aging process and aggravate the decline of cell renewal processes, immune defense, eyesight and hearing, and cognitive performance. Further, the presence of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and cancer can increase micronutrient requirements. It is therefore all the more necessary to ensure that older people receive an optimal supply of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and essential fatty acids. However, many older people are a long way from consuming the recommended daily amounts, even in highly developed industrial nations.
7 August 2017
