Abstract
PurposeSufficient 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations might prevent a decline in physical performance, and are considered important for the prevention of frailty. This study investigates the association of serum 25(OH)D concentration with physical performance and frailty status in Dutch older adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 756 men and women, aged ≥ 65 years. Serum 25(OH)D concentration and frailty status (Fried criteria) were assessed in the total population. Screening for frailty status included functional tests of gait speed and hand grip strength. In a subgroup (n = 494), the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and knee-extension strength were measured. Associations of serum 25(OH)D status with physical performance were examined by multiple linear regression. Prevalence ratios (PR) were used to quantify associations between serum 25(OH)D deficiency (< 50 nmol/L) and frailty.ResultsIn total, 45% of the participants were vitamin D deficient. Participants with vitamin D status < 50 and 50–75 nmol/L had significantly lower scores on the TUG and gait speed test, compared to participants with vitamin D status > 75 nmol/L. No significant associations with serum 25(OH)D concentrations were observed for handgrip strength or knee-extension strength. Participants with serum 25(OH)D status < 50 nmol/L were about two times more likely to be frail compared to participants with serum 25(OH)D status ≥ 50 nmol/L. No significant associations were observed between the pre-frail state and serum 25(OH)D status.ConclusionIn this study, serum 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly associated with frailty status and measures of physical performance, including gait speed and TUG, but not with strength-related outcomes.
Highlights
Frailty is a geriatric syndrome associated with adverse health outcomes, such as physical disability, increased risk of falls, institutionalization, hospitalization and mortality [1]
Season of blood collection was significantly different between the vitamin D categories, with 81% of the vitamin D deficient participants measured in the winter/ spring
Our results indicated that serum 25(OH)D status < 50 nmol/L, and between 50 and 75 nmol/L, were associated with lower functioning on TUG and gait speed tests, when compared to serum 25(OH) D status > 75 nmol/L
Summary
Frailty is a geriatric syndrome associated with adverse health outcomes, such as physical disability, increased risk of falls, institutionalization, hospitalization and mortality [1]. Deficient vitamin D concentrations [serum 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L] [8] are common in frail older adults, with a prevalence reported up to 62% [9]. Low vitamin D concentrations have been associated with an impaired muscle function and an increased risk of being frail [9,10,11]. Further characterization of the association between serum 25(OH)D concentration and frailty, and the closely related functional parameters, might help to define consensus about the optimal vitamin D status for these health outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the association of serum 25(OH)D concentrations with physical performance and frailty status
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