Vitamin D prophylaxis in the elderly: a simple effective method suitable for large populations.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nutritional Science
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Elderly institutionalized individuals are at high risk for vitamin D deficiency.
• Vitamin D prophylaxis is crucial for maintaining bone health and preventing osteomalacia in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of two vitamin D2 prophylaxis regimens in elderly institutionalized subjects.
• To determine the optimal dosing frequency for maintaining adequate serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 levels.

Main Methods:

• Two groups of institutionalized elderly subjects received 2.5mg of vitamin D2.
• Group 1 received a single dose in December; Group 2 received doses in December and June.
• Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 levels were monitored over 12 months in a subset of participants.

Main Results:

• The once-yearly regimen maintained adequate serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 for most of the year, but only 60% were protected at 12 months.
• The twice-yearly regimen provided complete protection, keeping serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 above the osteomalacia threshold throughout the study period.

Conclusions:

• A twice-yearly vitamin D supplementation regimen is a practical and effective method for preventing vitamin D deficiency in institutionalized elderly people.
• This dosing strategy ensures sustained therapeutic levels, crucial for bone health in this vulnerable demographic.