Vitamin D deficiency in older men
Abstract
CONTEXT: Vitamin D deficiency is not adequately evaluated in older men.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and identify risk factors for its occurrence.
DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted a cross-sectional evaluation of 1606 older men in the general community who were enrolled in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study.
PARTICIPANTS: A randomly selected subcohort of a large population of men from six U.S. communities participated in the study.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(2) [25(OH)D(2)] and 25(OH)D(3) were measured using mass spectrometry.
RESULTS: Deficiency [25(OH)D 80 yr old, did not engage in lawn/garden work, and had a body mass index greater than 25 kg/m(2) and vitamin D intake below 400 IU/d, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 86%. 25(OH)D(2) levels were present in a small fraction of men and accounted for a low proportion of total 25(OH)D levels. The use of vitamin D supplements was reported by 58% of men, but supplement use had a small effect on total 25(OH)D levels and, despite supplement use, low levels remained frequent.
CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency is common in older men and is especially prevalent in obese, sedentary men living at higher latitudes. Use of vitamin D supplements at levels reported here did not result in adequate vitamin D nutrition.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 1,606 participants or records.
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