A recent investigation conducted by the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has uncovered that merely 6% of elderly individuals in Kumasi receive sufficient sunlight exposure, a vital element for the natural production of vitamin D.
According to the findings, published in the October 2024 issue of the Journal of Science and Technology, approximately 70% of older adults in the study were found to be vitamin D deficient.
This deficiency is often associated with limited exposure to sunlight and inadequate consumption of foods rich in vitamin D.
Prolonged vitamin D insufficiency has been linked to issues such as weakened immune function and reduced muscle strength. Inadequate levels of the vitamin can negatively impact muscle performance and overall health, particularly in older populations.
The research involved analyzing blood samples to determine vitamin D levels and administering structured questionnaires to assess sunlight exposure and dietary habits among 125 adults aged 55 and above who visited the KNUST Hospital. The study also included body composition measurements.
Findings revealed that only 22.3% of participants regularly consumed vitamin D-rich foods. This poor dietary intake, coupled with low sunlight exposure, heightened the risk of vitamin D insufficiency in this age group.
Additionally, the study highlighted that 60.8% of participants were classified as overweight or obese, while 48% had diminished muscle mass.
The research team, headed by Prof. Mrs. Ibok Oduro from the Department of Food Science and Technology, suggested several remedies. They emphasized the importance of spending more time outdoors to increase sunlight exposure, eating vitamin D-rich foods such as oily fish, fortified cereals, and dairy products, and engaging in moderate physical activity to enhance muscle health and body composition.