The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in elderly subjects living in a nursing home is high compared to the general population. Though to date, little information has been gathered about the relationship between Vitamin D status and nursing home admission. A study from the Netherlands found that low Vitamin D status may increase the risk for nursing home admission and possibly an early death.
The study was published in the September issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. A total of 1260 men and women age 65 or greater were enrolled in the study and followed for an average of 6 years from 1995-2003. Vitamin D status was assessed at entry into the studyand the follow-up assessed time to nursing home admission and death, if either.
Out of all the participants, 10 percent were deficient in Vitamin D, while an additional 37 percent had low normal levels of Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is an essential fat soluble vitamin. The two greatest sources are dietary and sunlight. Most elderly individuals may suffer from malabsorption, which would naturally result in decreased levels. Couple that with decreased mobility due to aging and lack of sun exposure and it is easy to see how so many can have less than optimal levels.
Vitamin D is necessary for proper bone metabolism. It also has some role in the immune system and cell growth/production.
During follow-up 11 percent of the participants were admitted to a nursing home and 30 percent died. Admission to a nursing home was significantly coorelated with low Vitamin D status. Risk of an early death was higher with low Vitamin D levels, but the significance was lessened after accounting for other variables.
The authors concluded that low Vitamin D levels are infact associated nursing home admission. The relationship between Vitamin D levels and early mortality are not as clear.
Vitamin D is an added nutrient in most dairy products. Even so most of the Vitamin D comes from sun exposure. It is recommended that adults get at least 20 minutes a day in the sun without a sunscreen, which can block production.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on September 28, 2006 04:42 PM
