Author Question: Describe the link between antioxidants and cataracts. ... (Read 38 times)

washai · **on:** Aug 20, 2018

Describe the link between antioxidants and cataracts.

Question 2

Why do older adults face a greater risk of vitamin D deficiency than younger people?

Rilsmarie951 · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 20, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A vision problem facing older people is cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the lens that impairs vision and leads to blindness. Only 5 percent of people younger than 50 years have cataracts; afterward, the percentage jumps to between 20 and 30 percent. The lens of the eye is easily oxidized. Some studies suggest that a diet high in foods that provide ample antioxidantscaroten oids, vitamin C, and vitamin Emay reduce the risk of early onset and progression of cataracts. Conversely, high doses of vitamin C or E supplements may increase some people's cataract risk.

Answer to Question 2

As people age, vitamin D synthesis in the skin declines fourfold, and the kidneys' ability to activate it diminishes, setting the stage for deficiency. Also, many older adults drink little or no vitamin Dfortified milk and get little or no exposure to sunlight. Because individual medical concerns and physiological changes with aging can interfere with vitamin D metabolism, a slightly higher intake of 20 micrograms a day is recommended for those in their 70s and older.