Sex-specific Association of Serum Vitamin D Levels with Physical Function in Older Adults

Overview

Journal Osteoporos Int

Specialties Endocrinology
Orthopedics

Date 2008 Sep 20

PMID 18802657

Citations 46

Authors

T-T L Dam

D von Muhlen

E L Barrett-Connor

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Unlabelled: In women, but not men, lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were associated with impaired performance on two lower extremity function tests in both cross-sectional and prospective analyses.

Introduction: Preserved physical function may explain how 25(OH)D supplementation reduces falls and fractures.

Methods: A total of 1,065 community-dwelling men and women (mean age 74.6 years) with 25(OH)D levels and performance on timed up and go (TUG) and timed chair stand (TCS) were seen in 1997-1999; 769 (72%) participants returned for follow-up. Associations were examined using generalized linear models.

Results: 25(OH)D levels were higher in men than women, but the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency defined as 25(OH)D <75 nmol/L was 14%. There were no baseline sex differences in TUG or TCS. However, after 2.5 years, decline in TCS and TUG was greater in women than men (11% vs. 3%; p < 0.001). Women in the lowest 25(OH)D quartile (<80 nmol/L) compared to the highest quartile had an accelerated rate of functional decline on the TUG and TCS independent of covariates. No significant associations were seen in men.

Conclusion: In women, but not men, lower 25(OH)D levels were associated with impaired performance on two lower extremity function tests in both cross-sectional and prospective analyses. These results provide additional evidence that 25(OH)D is associated with physical function, which may explain how vitamin D supplementation reduces falls and fractures.

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