Which vitamin deficiency is common in older adults and is associated with bone health and falls?

• A. Vitamin C deficiency
• B. Vitamin D deficiency
• C. Vitamin B12 deficiency
• D. Vitamin A deficiency

Answer: (B)

Vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium and phosphate and to keep bones mineralized. In older adults, levels often drop because the skin makes less vitamin D with age, sun exposure may be limited, and dietary intake or absorption can be insufficient. When vitamin D is low, calcium absorption decreases, bones become softer and weaker (osteomalacia), and muscle strength can decline. That combination raises the risk of fractures and contributes to falls through poorer balance and proximal muscle weakness. Because of these direct effects on bone health and fall risk, vitamin D deficiency is common in aging and particularly relevant to assessment and management for preventing fractures. Other deficiencies don’t align as closely with bone integrity and fall risk: for example, vitamin C mainly affects connective tissue and wound healing, B12 can cause neuropathy and cognitive changes that influence gait, and vitamin A deficiency is more about vision issues.