THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN VITAMIN D LEVELS AND HANDGRIP STRENGTH IN ELDERLY MEN

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Vitamin D is a steroid hormone crucial for cellular functions, including muscle cell proliferation and differentiation via gene transcription.
• The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is present in numerous tissues, mediating vitamin D's effects.
• Understanding vitamin D's role in muscle health is vital for aging populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum vitamin D levels and muscle strength in elderly men.
• To determine if low vitamin D is a predictor of muscle weakness in men over 50.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving male participants aged over 50.
• Participants were categorized into groups based on handgrip strength test (HGST) results.
• Serum vitamin D levels and other variables were compared between groups with normal and weak handgrip strength.

Main Results:

• Elderly men with weaker handgrip strength exhibited significantly lower serum vitamin D levels (7.5 μg/L) compared to those with normal strength (11.6 μg/L).
• A significant positive correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and handgrip strength (r=0.362, p=0.001).
• Logistic regression analysis identified low vitamin D levels as an independent predictor of muscle weakness (OR: 0.453, p=0.05).

Conclusions:

• Low serum vitamin D is an independent risk factor for muscle weakness in men over 50.
• Screening for vitamin D deficiency and initiating timely supplementation are recommended to enhance muscle strength.
• This intervention may help mitigate frailty and improve overall health in elderly men.