For seniors, Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is best because it's more effective at raising blood levels than D2, with recommended daily intakes often around 800-1,000 IU (20-25 mcg) for those over 70, though higher doses might be needed if deficient, and it's crucial for bone health to prevent falls and fractures. Always consult a doctor to determine your specific needs, especially if you have limited sun exposure.
The recommended daily amount of vitamin D is 400 international units (IU) for children up to age 12 months, 600 IU for people ages 1 to 70 years, and 800 IU for people over 70 years.
Medications used to treat high blood pressure are generally safe to take with vitamin D supplements. Examples include: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as lisinopril (Zestril, Qbrelis) Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), such as losartan (Cozaar)
Based on the literature, vitamins (eg, vitamin D) have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory properties and may effectively treat sinusitis and reduce mucous membrane inflammation.
Two forms of vitamin D are available in supplements: vitamin D3 and vitamin D2. Both can help correct vitamin D deficiency, but most doctors recommend D3 because it is slightly more active and therefore slightly more effective. Vitamin D3 is naturally produced by animals, including humans. Vitamin D2 is the plant form.
Dr. Dreger offers 5 tips for combating that bone loss:
Even though D3 seems to be a better option for supplementation, you might be wondering why healthcare professionals prescribe vitamin D2 instead. This is usually based on which form is available in the dosage someone needs. For example, high-dose vitamin D2 is the only form that's available by prescription.
Signs and symptoms might include:
Vitamin C: Known for its immune-boosting properties, vitamin C helps fight infections and reduce inflammation. It is found in citrus fruits, bell peppers, and leafy greens. Regular intake can also helpshorten the duration of colds, which can lead to sinus infections.
An infection, growths in the sinuses, called nasal polyps, or swelling of the lining of the sinuses can cause chronic sinusitis. Symptoms might include a blocked or stuffy nose that makes it hard to breathe through the nose and pain and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead.
The two most common mistakes when taking vitamin D are taking it without adequate fatty foods for absorption, and neglecting to take it with Vitamin K2 and magnesium, which are crucial for directing calcium to bones and activating the vitamin D in your body, respectively, leading to ineffective supplementation or calcium buildup issues. Many also mistakenly choose the less effective D2 form over D3, or take incorrect dosages without blood tests, according to this snippet from Healthshots, this snippet from GrassrootsHealth, this snippet from Yahoo! Health, this snippet from the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, and this snippet from Verywell Mind.
Do not drink grapefruit juice if you're taking losartan. It may affect the levels of losartan in your blood and this may change how well it works and whether you have side effects. Apart from this and not drinking alcohol if you have side effects, there's nothing else you need to avoid while taking losartan.
In the present study we showed for the first time that the low-dose combination of atorvastatin and losartan is more effective in direct/acute improvement of vascular function than the separately used drugs in the same doses as in their combination.
The expert view. British Dietetic Association spokesperson Priya Tew says: 'It can be difficult in the UK to meet our vitamin D needs through sunlight and diet alone. For this reason, it's recommended that over-65s take a supplement of vitamin D of 10 micrograms per day.
Vitamin D induces P450, reducing concentrations of atorvastatin and its active metabolites, as shown by Schwartz [16], who studied the effects of vitamin D supplements on atorvastatin concentrations and cholesterol in 16 healthy volunteers.
Key vitamins and minerals for people over age 51
Proper hydration helps thin the mucus in your sinuses, making it easier for them to drain. Opt for warm liquids like herbal teas, clear broths, and warm water with lemon. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can lead to dehydration and worsen congestion.
It's common for individuals to experience nasal congestion or post-nasal drip that persists longer than usual in colder weather. Symptoms such as chronic nasal congestion, sinus headaches, facial pressure, and the development of nasal polyps become more pronounced with low vitamin D levels.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an important antioxidant in the respiratory tract, it is also an effective anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agent; supplementation of vitamin C has been verified as an effective therapy for the treatment of certain respiratory diseases, including allergic rhinitis [3], chronic ...
In children, it can cause rickets. Rickets is a rare disease that causes the bones to become soft and bend. African American infants and children are at higher risk of getting rickets. In adults, severe vitamin D deficiency leads to osteomalacia.
People need vitamin B-12 for the brain to work well. If not treated, vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to issues with the nerves, brain or spinal cord. These might include lasting tingling in the hands and feet or trouble with balance.
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include:
However, we discovered that vitamin D2 supplements can actually decrease levels of vitamin D3 in the body, which is a previously unknown effect of taking these supplements. This study suggests that subject to personal considerations, vitamin D3 supplements may be more beneficial for most individuals over vitamin D2.”
Mushrooms: Certain mushrooms, such as maitake, morel, and shiitake, can produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. When fresh button mushrooms are deliberately exposed to the sun during midday for a duration of 15 to 20 minutes, they can produce significant amounts of vitamin D2.