Vitamin D emerges as a key to health

In recent years, older adults have been encouraged to maintain bone health with adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, which the body needs to absorb calcium (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases). Vitamin D maintains blood levels of calcium and phosphorous. Current guidelines recommend adults supplement with 400 international units per day for ages 51-70 and 600 international units per day for ages 71 and older. New research has indicated that vitamin D may have a broader role and be a factor in respiratory tract infections, like colds and flu, hip fracture, heart disease and other health conditions.