Transcript CALCIUM

VITAMIN D
Function:
Essential for bone health. Also linked to the treatment and pathogenesis/progression of several
disorders, including cancer, hypertension. multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis,
muscle weakness and diabetes.
Studies have linked vitamin D supplementation to reduced falls risk for those with lower vitamin D
levels.
Relevance:
Older people are less likely to get sufficient sun exposure to make their own vitamin D. Vitamin D is
only found in a small range of foods. Deficiency causes bone pain and muscle weakness and
increased risk of fractures.
Good sources:
Sunlight! 30mins of exposure to face and legs/day in summer.
Oily fish (sardines in tomato sauce 8µg/100g, pilchards, 14µg/100g, tinned salmon 9.2µg/100g)
Fortified breakfast cereals (e.g. bran flakes 1.6µg/40g special k 3.4µg/40g),
Fortified margarines (1.2µg/15g),
Eggs (1.6µg),
Liver (1.1µg/100g).
Recommendations:
The RNI for people over the age of 65 years is to consume 10µg vitamin D daily for those confined
to the indoors. This is difficult to achieve via diet alone.
Include fish on the menu twice a week, one of which should be oily. Include liver in the menu once
a fortnight. Encourage fortified breakfast cereals.
Consider a vitamin D test if your client has a poor intake of these foods and consider
supplementation.
FLUID
Function:
Helps to prevent dehydration, reducing incidence of dizziness and confusion,
leading to falls, pressure ulcers, UTI, cognitive impairment, constipation, heart
disease, kidney stones, postural hypotension, poor oral health.
Relevance:
The kidneys are less good at concentrating urine as we age, also thirst
receptors diminish as we age. Poor mobility/fear of incontinence often means
the elderly are reluctant to drink.
Good sources:
80% of fluid we take on is from drinks. Tea, coffee, malted drinks, milk, fruit juice,
fruit, vegetables, sauces, ice cream, jelly, cereal and milk.
Recommendations:
For those who are very reluctant-try foods high in fluid, such as jelly and ice
cream, or grapes as a snack. Encourage 6-8 drinks throughout the day
(minimum 1500-1600mls/day)
Consider: availability of their drink of choice, regular drinks rounds, volunteers
to encourage drinks, ‘happy hour’ or afternoon teas.