How much vitamin D should elderly people not exceed when supplementing?
Disease description:
My mother isn't in very good health. After a medical checkup, she was found to have low vitamin D levels. What is the maximum amount of vitamin D that elderly people should take when supplementing?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
The recommended daily intake of vitamin D for older adults is typically 400–800 IU (10–20 μg).
With aging, older adults often experience reduced liver and kidney function, decreased gastrointestinal absorption, and potentially less outdoor activity, all of which can contribute to lower levels of vitamin D in the body. Therefore, appropriate vitamin D supplementation is particularly important for older adults, as it helps maintain bone health and prevent bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis. However, excessive vitamin D intake should also be avoided. Although vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be stored in the body, long-term overconsumption may lead to toxicity, including symptoms such as hypercalcemia and soft tissue calcification. Thus, vitamin D supplementation should strictly follow medical advice, and vitamin D levels in the body should be monitored regularly.
