As people get older, their bodies struggle to make and use vitamin D, a nutrient that helps bones stay strong and supports overall health. A major medical organization recently suggested that people over 75 should take vitamin D supplements to potentially live longer and healthier lives. However, for people aged 50-74, they said there’s not enough proof to recommend routine supplements or testing. This review examines what we know about vitamin D in aging bodies, which health problems it might help with, and whether taking extra vitamin D could cause problems. The goal is to help older adults and their doctors make smart decisions about vitamin D.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether older adults should take vitamin D supplements and if it helps them live longer, stay healthier, and prevent diseases
  • Who participated: This review analyzed existing research about older adults, with special focus on people aged 50 and older, particularly those over 75 years old
  • Key finding: Major medical experts now recommend vitamin D supplements for people over 75, suggesting it may reduce death risk. However, for people aged 50-74, there isn’t enough evidence yet to recommend routine supplements or testing
  • What it means for you: If you’re over 75, talk to your doctor about vitamin D supplements—they may help you live longer. If you’re 50-74, routine supplements aren’t recommended unless your doctor finds you’re deficient. Everyone should discuss their individual needs with their healthcare provider

The Research Details

This is a review article, meaning researchers looked at and summarized all the existing scientific studies about vitamin D and older adults rather than conducting their own experiment. They examined how aging changes the body’s ability to make and use vitamin D, looked at diseases common in older people that vitamin D might help prevent or treat, and considered both the benefits and risks of taking vitamin D supplements.

The researchers focused on recent guidelines from the Endocrine Society (a major medical organization) published in June 2024, which made new recommendations about who should take vitamin D. They also reviewed scientific evidence about how vitamin D affects bone health, muscle strength, immune function, and longevity in older adults.

Review articles are important because they gather all the best available evidence in one place, helping doctors and patients understand what we actually know versus what we’re still uncertain about. Since vitamin D recommendations have changed recently, this review helps explain why experts changed their minds and what the evidence shows. This approach is especially valuable for older adults because they often take multiple medications and need clear guidance about supplements.

This review was published in a respected medical journal focused on aging and medications. The authors examined recent clinical practice guidelines from a major endocrine (hormone) society, which means they looked at recommendations from leading experts. However, as a review article, its quality depends on which studies the authors chose to include and how they interpreted them. Readers should know that review articles summarize existing research but don’t create new evidence themselves

What the Results Show

The Endocrine Society’s 2024 guideline represents a significant shift in thinking about vitamin D and older adults. For people over 75 years old, the guideline now recommends taking vitamin D supplements without first testing vitamin D levels. This recommendation is based on evidence suggesting that vitamin D supplementation may reduce the risk of death in this age group.

For younger older adults aged 50-74 years, the guideline does not recommend routine vitamin D supplementation or routine testing of vitamin D levels. This means doctors should not automatically give these supplements to everyone in this age group. However, this doesn’t mean vitamin D is unimportant for this group—it means there isn’t enough evidence yet to recommend it for everyone.

The review explains that as people age, their bodies naturally produce less vitamin D from sun exposure and have more difficulty converting vitamin D into its active form. Additionally, older adults often spend less time outdoors and may have dietary limitations that reduce vitamin D intake. These age-related changes make vitamin D deficiency common in older populations.

The review discusses several health conditions in older adults that may benefit from adequate vitamin D levels, including bone health and osteoporosis prevention, muscle strength and fall prevention, immune system function, and potentially reduced risk of certain chronic diseases. The research also examines potential risks of vitamin D supplementation, such as the possibility of taking too much, though serious side effects from supplementation are relatively rare. The review notes that individual vitamin D needs vary based on factors like skin tone, sun exposure, diet, and overall health status.

Previous guidelines were less clear about vitamin D supplementation in older adults, and recommendations varied between different medical organizations. This 2024 guideline from the Endocrine Society provides more specific age-based recommendations, particularly the new emphasis on supplementation for those over 75. The shift toward recommending supplements for the oldest adults reflects accumulating evidence from recent studies showing potential mortality benefits, while the decision not to recommend routine supplements for ages 50-74 suggests that evidence in this younger age group remains inconclusive.

As a review article, this study’s main limitation is that it depends on the quality and selection of studies it examines. The review cannot prove cause-and-effect relationships—it can only summarize what other studies found. Additionally, most research on vitamin D has been conducted in specific populations (often people of European descent), so results may not apply equally to all ethnic groups. The review also notes that many studies on vitamin D have mixed results, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions. Finally, individual responses to vitamin D supplementation vary greatly, so what works for one person may not work for another

The Bottom Line

If you are over 75 years old: Talk to your doctor about starting vitamin D supplements. The evidence suggests this may help you live longer and stay healthier. Confidence level: Moderate to High.

If you are aged 50-74 years old: You don’t need routine vitamin D supplements unless your doctor tests your blood and finds you’re deficient. If you have risk factors for deficiency (limited sun exposure, darker skin tone, dietary restrictions), ask your doctor about testing. Confidence level: Moderate.

Everyone: Maintain adequate sun exposure when safe, eat vitamin D-rich foods (fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified milk), and discuss your individual vitamin D needs with your healthcare provider based on your personal health situation.

People over 75 should definitely discuss vitamin D supplementation with their doctor. Adults aged 50-74 should be aware of vitamin D’s importance but don’t need routine supplements unless they have specific risk factors. People with limited sun exposure, those with darker skin tones (who produce less vitamin D from sun), those with digestive disorders affecting nutrient absorption, and people with osteoporosis or frequent falls should pay special attention to vitamin D status. People taking certain medications that affect vitamin D metabolism should also consult their doctors.

If you start taking vitamin D supplements, you won’t notice dramatic changes immediately. Benefits like improved bone strength and reduced fall risk typically develop over months to years of consistent supplementation. Some people may notice improved energy or mood within weeks, but this varies greatly. The potential mortality benefits mentioned in the research likely develop over years of adequate vitamin D levels. Be patient and consistent—vitamin D works best as a long-term health strategy, not a quick fix

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily vitamin D supplement intake (if recommended by your doctor) and note any symptoms like muscle weakness, bone pain, or frequent falls. Record outdoor time and sun exposure when possible. If your doctor orders vitamin D blood tests, log the results and dates to monitor trends over time
  • Set a daily reminder to take your vitamin D supplement at the same time each day (if prescribed). Pair it with a meal containing fat, since vitamin D is fat-soluble and absorbs better with food. If not taking supplements, aim for 10-30 minutes of safe sun exposure most days and include vitamin D-rich foods in your diet
  • If taking vitamin D supplements, schedule annual check-ins with your doctor to discuss whether supplementation is still appropriate. Ask about periodic vitamin D blood tests (every 1-2 years) to ensure levels are adequate but not excessive. Track any changes in bone health, muscle strength, or fall frequency. Keep a record of all supplements and medications to share with your healthcare provider

This review summarizes current medical research about vitamin D in older adults but is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Vitamin D supplementation decisions should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider, who can assess your individual health status, medications, and risk factors. The recommendations discussed (particularly for those over 75) represent current expert guidelines but may not apply to everyone. People with kidney disease, heart conditions, or those taking certain medications should discuss vitamin D supplementation with their doctor before starting. This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice or a recommendation to start or stop any supplement