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Vitamin D deficiency in older men
Eric Orwoll1, Carrie M Nielson, Lynn M Marshall
1Bone and Mineral Unit, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA. orwoll@ohsu.edu
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|January 29, 2009
Summary
Vitamin D deficiency is common in older men, affecting 26% of the population. Risk factors include obesity, sedentary behavior, and living at higher latitudes, with supplements showing limited impact.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Nutritional Science
- Public Health and Epidemiology
Background:
- Vitamin D deficiency is a significant, yet under-evaluated, health concern in the aging male population.
- Prevalence and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in older men require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in older men.
- To identify key risk factors associated with vitamin D deficiency in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 1606 older men from six U.S. communities.
- Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) were measured using mass spectrometry.
- Data collected included demographics, lifestyle factors, and vitamin D intake.
Main Results:
- Vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D <20 ng/ml) was found in 26% of participants; insufficiency (<30 ng/ml) was observed in 72%.
- Higher prevalence of deficiency was noted in winter/spring, among older and more obese men, and those with lower vitamin D intake.
- Even with reported supplement use by 58%, vitamin D levels remained inadequate for a significant portion of the study group.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in older men.
- Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and higher latitude living are significant risk factors.
- Current vitamin D supplement usage patterns did not ensure adequate vitamin D nutrition in this population.
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