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Relation between vitamin D, physical performance, and disability in elderly persons.

Mauro Zamboni1, Elena Zoico, Paolo Tosoni

  • 1Cattedra di Geriatria, Università di Verona, Verona, Italy. mzamboni@univr.it

The Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences
|January 5, 2002
PubMed
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Vitamin D deficiency (hypovitaminosis D) is common in elderly women and linked to poorer physical function and increased disability. Addressing low vitamin D levels may improve mobility and independence in older women.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining health and function in the elderly population.
  • Hypovitaminosis D is a prevalent condition among older adults, particularly women.
  • Understanding the link between vitamin D status and functional decline is vital for geriatric care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels and functional status in elderly individuals.
  • To explore the relationship between vitamin D, muscular strength, and reported disability in community-dwelling older adults.
  • To identify potential gender-specific differences in the impact of vitamin D on physical function and disability.

Main Methods:

  • Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) and albumin levels were measured.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Body composition was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.
  • Muscular strength, physical performance (6-minute walking test, SF-36), and disability (Activities of Daily Living Scale) were evaluated.

    • Main Results:

    • Elderly women exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of hypovitaminosis D (25[OH]D < 37.5 nmol/l) compared to men (55.4% vs. 35.1%).
    • In women, lower 25[OH]D levels were significantly associated with reduced muscular strength and poorer physical function, even after adjusting for confounding factors.
    • Women reporting disability had significantly lower 25[OH]D levels; no such associations were observed in men.

    Conclusions:

    • Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are clinically relevant to muscular function and reported disability in community-dwelling elderly women.
    • The high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D underscores the importance of assessing and managing vitamin D status in older women to maintain functional independence.
    • Targeted interventions to improve vitamin D status may be beneficial for mitigating disability and enhancing physical function in at-risk elderly women.