According to Doctor Olivier de Ladoucette, psychiatrist and gerontologist, at the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, lecturer at the University of Paris V, president of the Foundation for research on Alzheimer's disease and columnist for the magazine "Notre Temps " Contrary to popular belief, vitamin D is not a vitamin but a hormone produced mainly by the skin under the effect of the sun's ultraviolet rays. It acts thanks to specific receptors on a large number of tissues or organs, allowing their regeneration.

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Its role on bone mineralization, by regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from food, is well known. It is also involved in the prevention of certain cancers, diabetes, muscle wasting and arteriosclerosis. It has even been observed an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in case of prolonged deficiency.

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The contributions of this precious ally for aging well are made in two ways: thanks to the sun and food, with egg yolk, the unforgettable cod liver oil or its equivalents in oily fish (herring, mackerel , anchovies, salmon ...).

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In the elderly, in our temperate climates, these intakes are almost always insufficient, the number of foods rich in vitamin D being limited and solar radiation often lacking.

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In spring and summer, twenty minutes of sun exposure produces enough vitamin D. But in winter, it will take more than two hours because UV radiation is weaker and clothing provides more coverage of the body. It is relevant to regularly assess your status and, if necessary, to expose yourself more to the sun and resort to supplementation. The usual dose is 100,000 IU every two months in the fall-winter and every three months the rest of the year.

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Doctor Olivier de Ladoucette

Magazine "Notre Temps"