Higher Rate of Vitamin D Deficiency in Older Adults and People with Darker Skin Tones
Dermatologist Paul B. Dean, MD, MPH, has been telling his patients for years to take a vitamin D3 supplement to help boost their immune system. He is strongly advising this supplement now to help strengthen our immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic for everyone, but especially older adults and those with darker skin tones.
Paul B. Dean MD strongly believes the important link between vitamin D deficiency and skin pigmentation. Though darker skin tones have more melanin, a natural protector from sun damage, the darker pigmentation reduces the skin’s ability to effectively absorb sunlight and produce vitamin D. As for older individuals, as we age our body loses some of its ability to synthesize vitamin D from sunlight.
Physicians should be advising all their patients to take daily supplements of vitamin D3. There are so many benefits for all individuals to be taking vitamin D3, but today, we must address the immune system. By taking vitamin D3 supplements our immune system is boosted and can cope better when viruses attack the body. If someone is vitamin D deficient then their body’s immune system will be unable to deal with the virus effectively.
Dr. Dean recommends 4,000 to 5,000 units of vitamin D3 for most adults in order to achieve a blood level of 40 to 60. He suggests checking with your own doctor.
The dosage for children is lower, check with your pediatrician.
