Vitamin D status of older adults of diverse ancestry living in the greater Toronto area

Abstract

BackgroundPhysiological and lifestyle factors put older adults at an increased risk of vitamin D insufficiency and resulting negative health outcomes. Here we explore the vitamin D status in a sample of community dwelling older adults of diverse ancestry living in the Greater Toronto area (GTA).MethodsTwo hundred and twenty-four (224) adults over 60 years of age were recruited from the Square One Older Adult Centre, in Mississauga, Ontario. Circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were measured from dried blood spot cards. Dietary and supplemental intakes of vitamin D were assessed via questionnaires. Skin pigmentation was assessed quantitatively by measuring melanin levels using a reflectometer.ResultsThe mean 25(OH)D concentration in the total sample was 82.4 nmol/L. There were no statistically significant differences in serum 25(OH)D concentrations, supplemental or dietary vitamin D intakes between the three major ancestral groups (East Asians, Europeans and South Asians). Females had significantly higher 25(OH)D concentrations than males (84.5 nmol/L vs. 72.2 nmol/L, p = 0.012). The proportion of participants with 25(OH)D concentrations below 50 nmol/L and 75 nmol/L were 12.1%, and 38.8%, respectively. The mean daily supplemental intake of vitamin D was 917 IU/day. Vitamin D intake from supplements was the major factor determining 25(OH)D concentrations (p < 0.001).ConclusionsMean concentration of 25(OH)D in a sample of older adults of diverse ancestry living in the GTA exceeded 80 nmol/L, and there were no significant differences in 25(OH)D levels between ancestral groups. These results sharply contrast with our recent study focused on young adults of diverse ancestry living in the same geographic area, in which we found substantially lower 25(OH)D concentrations (mean 39.5 nmol/L), low supplemental vitamin D intake (114 IU/day), and significant differences in 25(OH)D levels between ancestral groups. High daily intake of supplemental vitamin D in this sample of older adults likely accounts for such disparate findings with respect to the young adult sample.

Is there any difference between Vitamin D deficiency among heart failure and Non-heart failure elderly with cardiovascular disease?

“…Among HF patients, the number of men with vitamin D deficiency were significantly more than women. This finding adjusts with the results of one study (19) and is contrast with other ones (18,20). The reason may be a more disease severity among men compared to women.…”

Eficácia da reposição de vitamina d3 em idosos na dose de 50.000 Ui por semana durante 8 semanas: é o suficiente?

“…Além disso, os membros voluntários do estudo provavelmente representam a parcela que valoriza o envelhecimento saudável, preocupada com os benefícios da vitamina D e que já faziam essa suplementação. 9 Aspectos relacionados à aderência ao tratamento também não puderam ser controlados. O uso de determinadas medicações, a presença de comorbidades ou o uso prévio de suplementação de vitamina D, que podem interferir no metabolismo da vitamina D, não foram critérios de exclusão, pois a intenção dos pesquisadores foi retratar da forma mais próxima possível a realidade da população para a qual a SES/ DF deve programar a política de saúde.…”

“…Para isso, são necessárias doses diárias entre 1.000 e 2.000 UI. 3,9 A vitamina D pode ser administrada diariamente, semanalmente, mensalmente, trimestralmente ou semestralmente. 3,5,9 Não parece haver diferença na absorção da vitamina D considerando-se o tipo de refeição ou jejum.…”

“…3,9 A vitamina D pode ser administrada diariamente, semanalmente, mensalmente, trimestralmente ou semestralmente. 3,5,9 Não parece haver diferença na absorção da vitamina D considerando-se o tipo de refeição ou jejum. Segundo recomendações da SBEM, embora a suplementação e o tratamento possam ser feitos com ambos os metabólitos da vitamina D, deve-se preferir a vitamina D3, pelas vantagens sobre a manutenção de concentrações mais estáveis.…”

Ethnic aspects of vitamin D deficiency

“…Ginter and cols. (21), in a study of 224 elderly patients (> 60 years), showed a prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (< 30 ng/mL) of 40% (44°N). In this sample, individuals from three different eth nic groups were evaluated with no significant differences being found between them.…”