Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/447803
24 vitamin d is an anti-inflamatory and works like a hormone for the brain, heart and immune system. It helps prevent the onset of osteoporosis. "Vitamin D is also critical for optimal function of the parathyroid glands – small glands behind the thyroid which regulate calcium metabolism," says Dr. Kimberly Vanderveen of the Denver Center for Endocrine Surgery. "Long-term deficiency of vitamin D can lead to over activity and/or tumors of the parathyroid glands, which can contribute to bone loss, kidney stones, and a variety of physical and mental symptoms." Nearly all women are deficient to some degree in vitamin D and, in many cases, they are severely low, Lee says. Vitamin D comes from three sources: food, supplements and natural sunlight. Even in Colorado, getting enough absorption from the sun is tough, because not enough skin is exposed. Women can eat three servings daily of food containing vitamin D (plus calcium), such as fish, egg yolks, and fortified low fat/nonfat milk. Women should have a blood test to Need for N U t r i E N t s Whether it's due to poor diets or physiological changes as they age, older people, particular women, are lacking some vital nutrients. These deficiencies are often not noticeable but can quietly take a toll on the body, making checkups, testing and vitamin-and-mineral consumption a crucial part of people's health plans. "There are no hard and fast symptoms that reveal a deficiency," says Dr. William Lee of Age Management M.D. Women's Health Consultants. "So many women don't know they are deficient in many nutrients that are beneficial and essential to health." Some deficiencies may be replenished through food sources, while others are better absorbed through supplements, Lee says. Below is a list of some of the most common nutrient deficiencies Colorado health experts find with their patients. ManY WoMen are unknoWingLY deFicienT in criTicaL ViTaMins, MineraLs b y A n d r e a J u a r e z