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Age-related decrease in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in the frail elderly: a longitudinal study
Kazutoshi Nakamura1, Tomoko Nishiwaki, Kimiko Ueno
1Department of Community Preventive Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan. kazun@med.niigata-u.ac.jp
Journal of Bone and Mineral Metabolism
|June 27, 2007
Summary
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels decline in frail elderly individuals over two years. Changes in albumin and parathyroid hormone predict these vitamin D level changes.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cross-sectional studies indicate age-related decreases in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D].
- Prospective data on vitamin D changes in the frail elderly are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively assess age-related changes in serum 25(OH)D concentrations.
- To identify predictors of these changes in frail elderly individuals over a 2-year period.
Main Methods:
- A 2-year prospective study involving 80 frail elderly subjects (mean age 82.1 years) in Japan.
- Baseline and follow-up measurements included serum 25(OH)D, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), albumin, creatinine, and functional assessments (Barthel index, grip strength).
- Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of change.
Main Results:
- Serum 25(OH)D concentrations decreased by 6 nmol/l over the 2-year follow-up period.
- Changes in serum albumin levels were significantly associated with changes in 25(OH)D (beta = 0.503, P < 0.0001).
- Changes in log-transformed intact PTH were associated with baseline creatinine and changes in log-transformed 25(OH)D.
Conclusions:
- Serum 25(OH)D concentrations significantly decrease in frail elderly individuals over two years.
- Albumin and PTH levels are potential predictors of vitamin D status changes in this population.
- Findings are crucial for maintaining vitamin D status and preventing insufficiency in the frail elderly.
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