The Relationship between Serum Vitamin D Level and Muscle Strength in Koreans: Using Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D is a hormone required by the human body. Several studies have shown that vitamin D helps improve muscle strength. The purpose of our study was to examine the relationship between vitamin D levels and muscle strength in Korean adults.METHODS: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was conducted in the Korean population from 2009 to 2011. We surveyed 859 men and 944 women aged between 20 and 65 years. We investigated age, blood pressure, exercise frequency, heart rate, height, body weight, waist circumference, body mass index, serum vitamin D level, and hand grip strength. We analyzed the relationship between serum vitamin D level and hand grip strength using the linear regression test.RESULTS: On statistical analysis, vitamin D levels showed a significantly positive correlation with only grip strength. However, after adjusting for all other variables, no positive correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and grip strength.CONCLUSION: No significant correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and grip strength. Further research is needed on this topic.