Question
A number of risk factors contribute to inadequate levels of vitamin D and increase the likelihood of developing a deficiency disease. Which of the
following individuals is at greatest risk for vitamin-D deficiency?
A 16-year-old African-American girl who is relatively sedentary and spends most of her time indoors.
An 80 -year-old African-American woman who is relatively sedentary and spends most of her time indoors.
A 40-year-old Caucasian woman who is relatively sedentary and spends most of her time indoors.
following individuals is at greatest risk for vitamin-D deficiency?
A 16-year-old African-American girl who is relatively sedentary and spends most of her time indoors.
An 80 -year-old African-American woman who is relatively sedentary and spends most of her time indoors.
A 40-year-old Caucasian woman who is relatively sedentary and spends most of her time indoors.
Ask by Simmons Smith. in the United States
Mar 25,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
The 80-year-old African-American woman is at the greatest risk for vitamin D deficiency.
Solution
To determine which individual is at the greatest risk for vitamin D deficiency, we need to consider several factors that contribute to vitamin D levels:
- Age: Older adults often have a higher risk of deficiency due to decreased skin synthesis of vitamin D and potential dietary inadequacies.
- Skin Color: Individuals with darker skin (like African-Americans) have more melanin, which can reduce the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight.
- Activity Level: Sedentary individuals who spend most of their time indoors are less likely to be exposed to sunlight, which is necessary for vitamin D synthesis.
- Gender: While gender can play a role in health, it is less significant in this context compared to age and skin color.
Now, let’s analyze the options:
-
A 16-year-old African-American girl: While she is young, her skin color puts her at risk, but her age may provide some protection against deficiency.
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An 80-year-old African-American woman: She is older, which increases her risk of deficiency, and her skin color also contributes to this risk. Additionally, being sedentary and indoors further exacerbates the situation.
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A 40-year-old Caucasian woman: While she is sedentary and indoors, her lighter skin color allows for better synthesis of vitamin D from sunlight compared to the African-American individuals.
Considering these factors, the individual at the greatest risk for vitamin D deficiency is:
An 80-year-old African-American woman who is relatively sedentary and spends most of her time indoors.
Answered by UpStudy AI and reviewed by a Professional Tutor
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Simplify this solution Extra Insights
The 80-year-old African-American woman is at the greatest risk for vitamin D deficiency. Older adults often have a reduced ability to synthesize vitamin D through skin exposure to sunlight, and being sedentary and spending most of her time indoors further limits her opportunities to obtain this essential nutrient. Additionally, individuals with darker skin, such as African-Americans, tend to have lower vitamin D levels because melanin reduces the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D.
Moreover, this deficiency can have serious health implications, such as increased risks for bone disorders like osteoporosis or fractures. For both the elderly and those with limited sun exposure, dietary sources of vitamin D, such as fortified foods and supplements, become crucial to maintain adequate levels and support overall health.
