What vitamins are needed for calcium deficiency and osteoporosis in the elderly?

For older adults with osteoporosis, the following methods can be tried to supplement calcium.

1. First, it's essential to give elderly individuals regular calcium supplements, such as common calcium carbonate, calcium lactate, or calcium gluconate. Liquid calcium supplements are also well-absorbed and suitable for the elderly. In addition to calcium supplementation, it's also necessary to provide vitamin D, as vitamin D intake promotes calcium absorption and utilization.

2. While supplementing the above-mentioned nutrients, patients can also supplement with some fat-soluble vitamins. Elderly people can eat more cod liver oil, which can promote the utilization of the above-mentioned nutrients.

3. In terms of diet, these patients should eat more foods rich in calcium and protein, such as fish and milk.

Elderly people often take many health supplements. As their bodily functions gradually decline, their vitamin D levels also become deficient. Vitamin D deficiency is a serious concern for the elderly.

What are the functions of Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, with common forms including D2 and D3, also known as ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol, which are mainly derived from animals and some plants.

Vitamin D regulates calcium metabolism, enhances the body's absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and helps the body reach peak bone mass by increasing blood calcium and phosphorus levels, thus reducing the risk of osteoporosis. It also increases phosphorus absorption through the intestinal wall and reabsorption through the renal tubules.