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Is vitamin D necessary for skeletal integrity in the elderly?
S P Thompson1, T J Wilton, D J Hosking
1Department of Biochemistry, University Hospital, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, England.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British Volume
|November 1, 1990
Summary
Elderly patients with femoral neck fractures show reduced vitamin D levels, but this doesn't indicate osteomalacia. Vitamin D metabolite levels are not reliable for screening this condition in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Elderly individuals, particularly those with fractures, often exhibit altered vitamin D metabolism.
- Osteomalacia, a condition of soft bones, is a concern in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum 1.25 dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures.
- To determine if reduced vitamin D levels correlate with osteomalacia or vitamin D binding protein levels in this population.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of serum 1.25 dihydroxyvitamin D.
- Assessment of vitamin D binding protein levels.
- Evaluation for the presence of osteomalacia.
Main Results:
- Serum 1.25 dihydroxyvitamin D was reduced in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures.
- This reduction was observed regardless of osteomalacia presence.
- Vitamin D binding protein levels were not found to be decreased.
Conclusions:
- Reduced vitamin D metabolite concentrations in elderly fracture patients do not necessarily indicate osteomalacia.
- Low bone turnover may influence vitamin D requirements and protect against osteomalacia.
- Serum vitamin D metabolite levels are unsuitable for screening osteomalacia in this patient group.