Substantiation for vitamin D supplementation in the elderly

Abstract

Role of vitamin D in the formation of pathogenic changes related to factors of innate immunity and cytokine status has been studied in 105 non-working women aged 61.0±1.25 years. Prior to the study, the quality of life has been determined using the SF-36 questionnaire, as well as decrease in total vitamin D content, violation of functional and metabolic status of peripheral blood neutrophil granulocytes, imbalance in subpopulation of lymphocytes, and production of Th1/Th2 cytokines have been revealed. Presence of direct correlation between the qualitative composition and oxygen-dependent metabolism of peripheral blood neutrophil granulocytes, vitamin D content, and cytokine balance has been proved. Vitamin D supplementation in a daily dose of 1000 reduced the severity of immune disorders in the patients, which confirms the need for vitamin D supplementation in the elderly with a vitamin D deficiency confirmed by laboratory tests.