Belgian researchers who looked at 291 elderly men aged 65 years or older found that severe vitamin D deficiency was quite prevalent. They found severe deficiency in 57% of community-dwelling men, and 79% of institutionalized men. Mild and moderate vitamin D deficiency was found in 21% of institutionalized and 42% of community-dwelling men. Astoundingly, of all the men studied, only two had normal levels of vitamin D. The authors conclude, "Vitamin D supplementation should be routinely prescribed in institutions for the elderly and probably also to any individual over 65 years."
Source: Presse Med, 2008; 37(2):1,191-200
