[Reference intervals and biological profile in a group of healthy elderly population in the Paris region]

The superimposition of pathological processes on ageing-related metabolic changes makes the interpretation of laboratory data difficult in the elderly. Therefore, in order to establish reference values of anthropometric, hematological and biochemical variables, we have carefully selected fit, health-conscious elderly subjects on the basis of clinical and biological criteria. We observed a trend for a wider range of values than in young adults. For some variables, the values were shifted down (eg: albumin, vitamin D) or up (eg: glucose, urea, cholesterol, ferritin), as a result of slow metabolic changes or progressive functional decline of different organs. The high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was worthy of note, particularly in women, suggesting a high risk of deficiency.