Older people with low vitamin D levels are more likely to struggle with daily physical activities like walking up and down stairs, dressing and undressing, and cutting their toenails, a new study shows.

The research, published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, examined more than 1,300 men and women ages 55-68 and split them into three groups – highest, moderate and low vitamin D levels. The majority of those with the highest or moderate levels did not have any physical limitations, but 70 percent of those with the lowest levels had at least one limitation.

Vitamin D is critical for bone and muscle health. According to the press release, scientists estimate that as many as 90 percent of older individuals are vitamin D deficient.

“Seniors who have low levels of vitamin D are more likely to have mobility limitations and to see their physical functioning decline over time,” study author Evelien Sohl from VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam said in a news release. “Older individuals with these limitations are more likely to be admitted to nursing homes and face a higher risk of mortality.

Click here to read the news release about the study.

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