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Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and functional outcomes in the elderly
1Jean Mayer US Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA. bess.dawson-hughes@tufts.edu
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|August 12, 2008
Summary
Vitamin D insufficiency negatively impacts the elderly
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
- Musculoskeletal Health
Background:
- Elderly individuals often experience vitamin D insufficiency.
- This deficiency can lead to adverse musculoskeletal outcomes.
- Optimal vitamin D levels are crucial for maintaining health in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on the clinical benefits of treating vitamin D insufficiency in the elderly.
- To identify specific musculoskeletal outcomes influenced by vitamin D.
- To determine target vitamin D concentrations for geriatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on vitamin D treatment and musculoskeletal health in the elderly.
- Analysis of functional outcomes including bone mass, bone loss, muscle performance, falls, and fractures.
- Examination of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in relation to these outcomes.
Main Results:
- Vitamin D treatment shows benefits for bone mass and reduces bone loss rates.
- Improved muscle performance and reduced fall risk are associated with higher vitamin D levels (>65 nmol/L).
- Lower fracture incidence requires even higher vitamin D concentrations (>75 nmol/L).
Conclusions:
- Many elderly individuals have insufficient vitamin D levels.
- Supplementation is recommended to achieve optimal serum concentrations for musculoskeletal health.
- Addressing vitamin D insufficiency can significantly benefit the elderly by improving physical function and reducing injury risk.
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