Surveillance and Evaluation of Vitamin D Nutrition and Its Health Impact in Chinese Older Adults

Abstract

Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin for humans and vitamin D deficiency (VDD) affects all age groups, with older adults being at high risk of VDD. A deficiency in vitamin D has been associated with a range of health concerns in older adults, including osteomalacia and osteoporosis. Additionally, there is limited evidence suggesting that VDD may be associated with increased risk of developing cognitive impairment, muscle-wasting disorders, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and mortality. This review synthesizes the latest research advances in China and abroad to provide detailed information on the current status of vitamin D nutritional monitoring, causes of deficiency, health risks, and proposed intake for reducing risk of diet-related noncommunicable diseases in the Chinese older adults.