Introduction
As we age, our bodies become more susceptible to a variety of health issues. One of the most common issues is a vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to a host of health problems. Taking vitamin D supplements after the age of 50 can help to prevent and treat a deficiency, but there are some surprising side effects that you should be aware of. In this article, we will discuss the potential side effects of taking vitamin D supplements after 50, as well as how to ensure that you are taking the right amount of vitamin D for your age and health needs.
Surprising Side Effects of Taking Vitamin D Supplements After 50
As we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing and utilizing vitamins and minerals. This is especially true for Vitamin D, which is essential for healthy bones, muscles, and overall health. Taking Vitamin D supplements after the age of 50 can help to ensure that you are getting enough of this important nutrient, but there are some surprising side effects that you should be aware of.
1. Increased Risk of Kidney Stones
One of the most surprising side effects of taking Vitamin D supplements after 50 is an increased risk of developing kidney stones. This is because Vitamin D can increase the amount of calcium in the urine, which can lead to the formation of kidney stones. If you are taking Vitamin D supplements, it is important to drink plenty of water to help flush out the excess calcium.
2. Increased Risk of Heart Disease
Another surprising side effect of taking Vitamin D supplements after 50 is an increased risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that people who take Vitamin D supplements are more likely to develop heart disease than those who do not. This is because Vitamin D can increase the levels of bad cholesterol in the body, which can lead to an increased risk of heart disease.
3. Increased Risk of Osteoporosis
Taking Vitamin D supplements after 50 can also increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. This is because Vitamin D helps to regulate the absorption of calcium in the body, and if there is not enough Vitamin D, the body may not be able to absorb enough calcium to maintain healthy bones. Taking Vitamin D supplements can help to ensure that you are getting enough calcium to maintain healthy bones.
4. Increased Risk of Vitamin D Deficiency
Finally, taking Vitamin D supplements after 50 can also increase the risk of developing a Vitamin D deficiency. This is because Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium, and if there is not enough Vitamin D in the body, the body may not be able to absorb enough calcium to maintain healthy bones. Taking Vitamin D supplements can help to ensure that you are getting enough Vitamin D to maintain healthy bones.
Taking Vitamin D supplements after 50 can be beneficial for maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and overall health. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects of taking Vitamin D supplements, such as an increased risk of kidney stones, heart disease, osteoporosis, and Vitamin D deficiency. If you are taking Vitamin D supplements, it is important to drink plenty of water to help flush out the excess calcium.
One day we are trucking along enjoying our youth. And then one day we wake up in our 50s, and we find creaks, cracks, and other feelings that we never experienced before.
Unfortunately, as our age increases, our risk for developing certain health conditions like osteoporosis, cancer, and hypertension increase as well. In other words, a 50-year-old body is very different than a 20-year-old body. And because of this, taking certain supplements may result in some surprising effects once we reach a certain age. (Related: Best Supplements for People Over 50, Say Nutrition Experts.)
Many of us have jumped on the vitamin D supplementation bandwagon over the past few years. This supplement has become so popular that it is now the second most common supplement consumed by Americans, second to a general multivitamin. And with prevalence rates of severe vitamin D deficiency being 5.9% in the US, it is certainly a good thing that many people are trying to combat this situation.
Vitamin D is unique because, when exposed to the sun, the human body can make this nutrient. But since most of us are not baking in the sun like we used to, the opportunity to produce this key vitamin gets diminished.
Plus, the skin’s capacity to produce vitamin D in older people has been estimated to be about 25% of that in persons aged 20–30 years exposed to the same amount of sunlight.
If you are over 50 and you fall into the category of “vitamin D supplement taker”, here are some side effects that you may experience.
As people age, their risk of osteoporosis increases. Approximately 10 million adults, over the age of 50, suffer from osteoporosis and 34 million have reduced bone mass or osteopenia. Fortunately, supplementation with vitamin D has been liked to higher bone mineral density and a reduced risk of developing osteoporosis (weaker bones).
Especially in the case of women who are post-menopausal, focusing on bone health is key, as the risk of fracture is increased. And who wants to deal with a bone fracture when you don’t have to?
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Over half of depression cases manifest later in life. And late-onset depression is associated with increased risk of morbidity, increased risk of suicide, decreased physical, cognitive and social functioning, and greater self-neglect, all of which are in turn associated with increased mortality.
Several vitamin D receptors have been identified in the brain that affect mood, suggesting that low vitamin D levels may be associated with cognitive decline and symptoms of depression.
There are direct links between low levels of serum vitamin D higher late-life depression risk. Taking vitamin D supplements can help support healthy vitamin D levels, possibly combatting depression risk.
Advancing age is the most important risk factor for certain cancers. The incidence rates for cancer overall climb steadily as age increases, meaning that finding ways to reduce the risk as age increases is key.
Results from a study published in BMJ suggest that high levels of vitamin D are associated with a 20% lower risk of certain cancers in both men and women compared with those with low vitamin D levels. If you are taking vitamin D supplements and end up having levels on the higher side, you may notice a reduced risk of certain cancers too.
There is an association between low levels of vitamin D and many diseases associated with aging, one being hypertension. The risk for hypertension increases significantly as a person ages.
Observational data have shown an association between low vitamin D levels and an increased incidence of high blood pressure as well as risk for hypertension. So, one surprising side effect you may experience if you regularly take vitamin D supplements is healthy blood pressure, although that doesn’t mean you can’t neglect following an overall healthy diet.
As a person ages, their immune system gradually deteriorates. An association between low levels of serum vitamin D and increased risk of developing several immune-related diseases and disorders (including COVID-19) has been seen. Along with washing your hands and following all of the CDC recommendations, making sure your vitamin D levels are in check may help you keep the ick away.
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Lauren Manaker MS, RDN, LD, CLEC