Improving vitamin D status in home‐bound elders

Abstract

Home‐bound older adults are at particularly high risk of having vitamin D insufficiency. We conducted a 5‐month randomized, controlled pilot study to assess the feasibility of delivering vitamin D supplements to home‐bound elders receiving Meals on Wheels (MOW) in Forsyth Co, NC, and the effectiveness of the vitamin D supplements to improve 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations and reduce falls (n=68; mean age, 77.8 yrs; 72% women; 75% black). 25(OH)D was measured at baseline and follow‐up and falls assessed by monthly fall calendars. Participants received 100,000 IU vitamin D3 (n=38) or placebo (n=30) once a month along with their MOW meal. 25(OH)D concentrations (mean±SD) at baseline were 22.5±12.2 and 18.9±10.6 ng/mL in the intervention and control group, respectively (p=0.22). 25(OH)D concentrations improved significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group (LS means±SE: +20.4±1.8 vs. −2.2±2.1 ng/mL adjusted for age, gender, race, randomization group, and baseline 25(OH)D, p<0.0001). There were also significantly fewer falls in the intervention group compared to the control group (LS means±SE: 0.3±0.3 vs. 1.1±0.3, p=0.05). In summary, providing supplemental vitamin D through the MOW program is feasible and effective in improving 25(OH)D concentrations and reducing falls. Supported by the Wake Forest School of Medicine Translational Science Institute.