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Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D and its determinants in an elderly population sample
P F Jacques1, D T Felson, K L Tucker
1Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA. paul@hnrc.tufts.edu
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|October 10, 1997
Summary
Low vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) is a public health concern in older adults. Factors like season, indoor time, BMI, and vitamin D intake influence levels, with women showing lower concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] is a key indicator of vitamin D status.
- Low vitamin D is prevalent in elderly populations and linked to various health issues.
- Understanding determinants of vitamin D status is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the distribution and determinants of plasma 25(OH)D concentrations in elderly men and women.
- To identify risk factors associated with low 25(OH)D levels (< or = 37.5 nmol/L).
Main Methods:
- Analysis of plasma 25(OH)D concentrations in 290 men and 469 women (aged 67-95 years) from the Framingham Heart Study cohort.
- Statistical assessment of associations between 25(OH)D levels and factors including season, indoor time, BMI, vitamin D intake, age, geographic residence, and serum creatinine.
Main Results:
- Mean 25(OH)D was 82 nmol/L in men and 71 nmol/L in women.
- Low 25(OH)D (< or = 37.5 nmol/L) was observed in 6.2% of men and 14.5% of women.
- 25(OH)D concentrations were associated with season, indoor time, BMI, and vitamin D intake. Women had lower concentrations, not explained by known factors, except during winter examinations.
Conclusions:
- Inadequate vitamin D status is a significant public health issue in the elderly.
- Adequate vitamin D intake and sunlight exposure are key strategies to address low vitamin D levels.
- Further research is needed to understand the sex-based differences in vitamin D status.