D*action is a study cohort with over 7,800 members who have completed at least one questionnaire and blood test. The median age of D*action participants is 54 years old. For this analysis we have divided the group into the following age ranges:
15-34 - sample size is 763, 11%
35-49 - sample size is 1882, 27%
50-64 - sample size is 2917, 42%
65 or greater - sample size is 1405, 20%
Intake by Age
In the chart below, you can see that as age increases, so does the percentage of those taking supplements. You can also see that the median vitamin D intake also increases with age.
Serum Level by Age
This next chart shows that the median serum level of vitamin D (25(OH)D) increases with age. If you look at the blue bars representing the youngest age group (ages 15 - 34), you can see that more of that group is in the lower serum level ranges, <20 or 20-39 ng/ml than any other age group. You can also see that those in the oldest age group (ages 65+), represented by the purple bars, are more likely to be in the higher serum level ranges of 40-60 or >60 ng/ml than any other age group.
We found no difference in the dose response relationship by age; as supplement intake increases, serum level increases, regardless of age. Rather than thinking that you need to take more supplements as you age, perhaps we should instead think that you should start with supplements at a younger age and continue so that you can have a long, healthy lifetime with your 25(OH)D level in the recommended range of 40-60 ng/ml.
Conclusion - Supplements are Important at Any Age
Regardless of age, those participants in our D*action group who reached the recommended level of 40-60 ng/ml took an average of 4000 IU daily. You can use this dosage as a baseline, but remember to test your blood regularly to make sure you are in the recommended range because individual requirements do vary.
How Old is Everyone?
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