VITAMIN D AND AGING: AN INTERPLAY OF MULTIPLE MECHANISMS

Abstract

Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory and pro-autophagy actions and influences the genetic and epigenetic landscape to promote healthy aging. A deficiency of this vitamin leads to accelerated aging. Deficiency of vitamin D causes sarcopenia, osteoporosis, frailty and a high risk of fractures and consequently high morbidity. To complicate matters, in the elderly, various factors like reduced dietary intake, reduced mobility and sun exposure, decreased production and activation of vitamin D, reduction in the population of vitamin D receptors and diminished responsiveness of tissues to vitamin D cause reduced vitamin D levels and function. The above factors indicate that a special considered approach be adopted for the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in the elderly.