Prediction of insufficient serum vitamin D status in older women: a validated model.

We developed an externally validated simple prediction model to predict serum 25(OH)D levels < 30, < 40, < 50 and 60 nmol/L in older women with risk factors for fractures. The benefit of the model reduces when a higher 25(OH)D threshold is chosen. INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased fracture risk in older persons. General supplementation of all older women with vitamin D could cause medicalization and costs. We developed a clinical model to identify insufficient serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status in older women at risk for fractures. METHODS: In a sample of 2689 women ≥ 65 years selected from general practices, with at least one risk factor for fractures, a questionnaire was administered and serum 25(OH)D was measured. Multivariable logistic regression models with backward selection were developed to select predictors for insufficient serum 25(OH)D status, using separate thresholds 30, 40, 50 and 60 nmol/L. Internal and external model validations were performed. RESULTS: Predictors in the models were as follows: age, BMI, vitamin D supplementation, multivitamin supplementation, calcium supplementation, daily use of margarine, fatty fish ≥ 2×/week, ≥ 1 hours/day outdoors in summer, season of blood sampling, the use of a walking aid and smoking. The AUC was 0.77 for the model using a 30 nmol/L threshold and decreased in the models with higher thresholds to 0.72 for 60 nmol/L. We demonstrate that the model can help to distinguish patients with or without insufficient serum 25(OH)D levels at thresholds of 30 and 40 nmol/L, but not when a threshold of 50 nmol/L is demanded. CONCLUSIONS: This externally validated model can predict the presence of vitamin D insufficiency in women at risk for fractures. The potential clinical benefit of this tool is highly dependent of the chosen 25(OH)D threshold and decreases when a higher threshold is used.

Low vitamin D status is associated with more depressive symptoms in Dutch older adults.

PURPOSE: The existence of vitamin D receptors in the brain points to a possible role of vitamin D in brain function. We examined the association of vitamin D status and vitamin D-related genetic make-up with depressive symptoms amongst 2839 Dutch older adults aged ≥65 years. METHODS: 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured, and five 'vitamin D-related genes' were selected. Depressive symptoms were measured with the 15-point Geriatric Depression Scale. Results were expressed as the relative risk of the score of depressive symptoms by quartiles of 25(OH)D concentration or number of affected alleles, using the lowest quartile or minor allele group as reference. RESULTS: A clear cross-sectional and prospective association between serum 25(OH)D and depressive symptom score was observed. Fully adjusted models indicated a 22 % (RR 0.78, 95 % CI 0.68-0.89), 21 % (RR 0.79, 95 % CI 0.68-0.90), and 18 % (RR 0.82, 95 % CI 0.71-0.95) lower score of depressive symptoms in people in the second, third, and fourth 25(OH)D quartiles, when compared to people in the first quartile (P for trend <0.0001). After 2 years of daily 15 µg vitamin D supplementation, similar associations were observed. 25(OH)D concentrations did not significantly interact with the selected genes. CONCLUSION: Low serum 25(OH)D was associated with higher depressive symptom scores. No interactions between 25(OH)D concentrations and vitamin D genetic make-up were observed. In view of the probability of reverse causation, we propose that the association should be further examined in prospective studies as well as in randomized controlled trials.

Longitudinal changes and seasonal variations in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in different age groups: results of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam.

UNLABELLED: Vitamin D levels remained fairly stable during ageing with increasing levels in persons aged 55-65 years old and decreasing levels in persons aged 65-88 years old. The seasonal variation was larger than the longitudinal change. Our findings implicate that vitamin D supplementation becomes more important in older age groups and during wintertime. INTRODUCTION: Longitudinal changes in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels during aging have not been studied extensively. Two studies showed increasing serum 25-OHD levels. One of these studies suggested that there might be decreasing levels in persons aged 65 years and older. The objectives of the current study are the following: (1) to examine longitudinal changes in serum 25-OHD levels in different age groups and (2) to describe the seasonal variation in different age groups. METHODS: Data of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA), an ongoing cohort study, were used. Two different cohorts were included: (1) younger cohort: aged 55-65 years old at baseline, n = 738, follow-up of 6 years and (2) older cohort: aged 65-88 years old at baseline, n = 1,320, follow-up of 13 years. RESULTS: At baseline, average levels were 56.5 nmol/L in the younger cohort and 51.1 nmol/L in the older cohort. In the younger cohort, a longitudinal increase in the mean serum 25-OHD levels of 4 nmol/L in 6 years was observed; in the older cohort, a longitudinal decrease in the mean serum 25-OHD levels of 4 nmol/L in 13 years was observed. The seasonal variation was ±12 nmol/L in the younger cohort and ±7 nmol/L in the older cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term serum 25-OHD levels remained fairly stable during aging with slightly increasing levels in persons aged 55-65 years old and slightly decreasing levels in persons aged 65-88 years old. On average, the seasonal variation was larger than the longitudinal change. Our findings implicate that vitamin D supplementation becomes more important in older age groups and during wintertime.

Homocysteine and the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677C-->T polymorphism in relation to muscle mass and strength, physical performance and postural sway.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Elevated plasma homocysteine has been linked to reduced mobility and muscle functioning in the elderly. The relation of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C-->T polymorphism with these associations has not yet been studied. This study aimed to investigate (1) the association of plasma homocysteine and the MTHFR 677C-->T polymorphism with muscle mass, handgrip strength, physical performance and postural sway; (2) the interaction between plasma homocysteine and the MTHFR 677C-->T polymorphism. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Baseline data from the B-PROOF study (n=2919, mean age=74.1±6.5) were used. Muscle mass was measured using dual X-ray absorptiometry, handgrip strength with a handheld dynamometer, and physical performance with walking-, chair stand- and balance tests. Postural sway was assessed on a force platform. The data were analyzed using regression analyses with plasma homocysteine levels in quartiles. RESULTS: There was a significant inverse association between plasma homocysteine and handgrip strength (quartile 4: regression coefficient B=-1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI)=-1.96; -0.32) and physical performance score (quartile 3: B=-0.53, 95% CI=-0.95; -0.10 and quartile 4: -0.94; 95% CI=-1.40; -0.48) in women only, independent of serum vitamin B12 and folic acid. No association was observed between the MTHFR 677C-->T polymorphism and the outcomes. High plasma homocysteine in the 677CC and 677CT genotypes, but not in the 677TT genotype, was associated with lower physical performance. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated plasma homocysteine concentrations are associated with reduced physical performance and muscle strength in older women. There is an urgent need for randomized controlled trials to examine whether lowering homocysteine levels might delay physical decline.

Vitamin D: do we get enough? A discussion between vitamin D experts in order to make a step towards the harmonisation of dietary reference intakes for vitamin D across Europe.

UNLABELLED: On September 29, 2011, acknowledged experts in the field of vitamin D, mainly European, were brought together in order to discuss the recent scientific advances in relation to vitamin D: the current requirements and associations with various health outcomes. In this article, the discussions resulting from the meeting are summarized. INTRODUCTION: Several groups at risk for developing vitamin D insufficiency have been identified. Accordingly, reviews indicate that a significant percentage of the population worldwide have serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels below 50 nmol/l. In addition to the role of vitamin D in bone health, recent studies suggest that it may play a pivotal role in other systems, e.g., the cardiovascular system, pancreas, muscle, immune system and brain. Most evidence, however, is obtained from observational studies and yet inconclusive. METHODS: To exchange and broaden knowledge on the requirements for vitamin D and its effect on various health outcomes, a workshop entitled "Vitamin D Expert Meeting: Do we get enough?", was organized. RESULTS: Despite low vitamin D levels worldwide, consensus on the definition of deficiency is not yet reached. In order to define cut-off points for vitamin D whilst taking into account extraskeletal health effects, randomized controlled trials in these fields are warranted. The experts do emphasize that there is evidence to suggest an important role for vitamin D in the maintenance of optimal bone health at all ages and that vitamin D supplementation, in most studies co-administered with calcium, reduces fracture risk in the senior population. CONCLUSION: To reach a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of 50 nmol/l older adults aged ≥65 years are therefore recommended to meet a mean daily vitamin D intake of 20 µg (800 IU), which is best achieved with a supplement.

The impact of medication on vitamin D status in older individuals.

OBJECTIVE: Vitamin D deficiency and polypharmacy are common in the elderly. However, knowledge on the associations between the use of specific medicines and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is limited. The aim of this study was to (better) define the associations between the use of specific medicines and serum 25(OH)D. METHODS: Two different cohorts (1995/1996 and 2002/2003) from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) were used for cross-sectional analyses. LASA is based on an age and sex-stratified random sample of the Dutch older population. Study participants were aged 65-88 years in the first cohort (n = 1301) and 55-65 years in the second cohort (n = 736). Serum 25(OH)D of users of several groups of medicines were compared with levels of non-users using multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Of all participants, 75.4% (first cohort) and 61.1% (second cohort) were using at least one medicine. In both cohorts, the number of medicines was associated with lower serum 25(OH)D. In the first cohort, after adjustment for confounding, users of any kind of medicine, loop diuretics and inhaled corticosteroids (only men) had respectively 4.4 nmol/l (P<0.01), 4.7 nmol/l (P = 0.04) and 7.3 nmol/l (P = 0.02) lower serum 25(OH)D than non-users. In the second cohort, the use of oral antidiabetics, calcium-channel blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors was associated with respectively 7.4 nmol/l (P = 0.04), 7.7 nmol/l (P = 0.01) and 7.6 nmol/l (P<0.01) lower serum 25(OH)D. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that users of several medicines have lower serum 25(OH)D than non-users. Vitamin D supplementation may be considered in patients with chronic use of medicines.

Sunlight exposure or vitamin D supplementation for vitamin D-deficient non-western immigrants: a randomized clinical trial.

UNLABELLED: Vitamin D deficiency is very common in non-western immigrants. In this randomized clinical trial, vitamin D 800 IU/day or 100,000 IU/3 months were compared with advised sunlight exposure. Vitamin D supplementation was more effective than advised sunlight exposure in improving vitamin D status and lowering parathyroid hormone levels. INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] < 25 nmol/l) is common among non-western immigrants. It can be treated with vitamin D supplementation or sunlight exposure. METHODS: To determine whether the effect of vitamin D(3) supplementation (daily 800 IU or 100,000 IU/3 months) or sunlight exposure advice is similar with regard to serum 25(OH)D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations. Randomized clinical trial in 11 general practices in The Netherlands. Non-western immigrants, aged 18-65 years (n = 232) and serum 25(OH)D < 25 nmol/l were randomly assigned to supplementation (daily 800 IU or 100,000 IU/3 months) or advice for sunlight exposure for 6 months (March-September). Blood samples were collected at baseline, during treatment (3 months, 6 months), and at follow-up (12 months). Statistical analysis was performed with multilevel regression modelling. RESULTS: The intention-to-treat analysis included 211 persons. Baseline serum 25(OH)D was 22.5 ± 11.1 nmol/l. After 6 months, mean serum 25(OH)D increased to 53 nmol/l with 800 IU/day, to 50.5 nmol/l with 100,000 IU/3 months, and to 29.1 nmol/l with advised sunlight exposure (supplementation vs sunshine p < 0.001). Serum PTH decreased significantly in all groups after 3 months, more in the supplementation groups than in the advised sunlight group (p < 0.05). There was no significant effect on physical performance and functional limitations. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D supplementation is more effective than advised sunlight exposure for treating vitamin D deficiency in non-western immigrants.