83 year-old women in Europe have 11 ng of vitamin D – July 2014

Prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy in European women aged over 80 years

Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics; Volume 59, Issue 1, July–August 2014, Pages 78–82
Olivier Bruyèrea, olivier.bruyere at ulg.ac.be, Justine Slomiana, Charlotte Beaudarta, Fanny Buckinxa, Etienne Cavalierb, Sophie Gillainc, Jean Petermansc, Jean-Yves Reginstera

Highlights
• A high prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy is observed in old European women.
• There is a highly significant difference in vitamin D level across European countries.
• Age, BMI, country and vitamin D supplementation are associated with vitamin D level.

Inadequate vitamin D status is associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism and increased bone turnover and bone loss, which in turn increases fracture risk. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of inadequate vitamin D status in European women aged over 80 years.

Assessments of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (25(OH)D) were performed on 8532 European women with osteoporosis or osteopenia of which 1984 were aged over 80 years. European countries included in the study were: France, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Poland, Hungary, United Kingdom, Spain and Germany. Two cut-offs of 25(OH)D inadequacy were fixed: <75 nmol/L (30 ng/ml) and <50 nmol/L (20 ng/ml).

Mean (SD) age of the patients was 83.4 (2.9) years, body mass index was 25.0 (4.0) kg/m2 and level of 25(OH)D was 53.3 (26.7) nmol/L (21.4 [10.7] ng/ml). There was a highly significant difference of 25(OH)D level across European countries (p < 0.0001). In these women aged over 80 years, the prevalence of 25(OH)D inadequacy was 80.9% and 44.5% when considering cut-offs of 75 and 50 nmol/L, respectively. In the 397 (20.0%) patients taking supplemental vitamin D with or without supplemental calcium, the mean serum 25(OH)D level was significantly higher than in the other patients (65.2 (29.2) nmol/L vs. 50.3 (25.2) nmol/L; P < 0.001).

This study indicates a high prevalence of vitamin D (25(OH)D) inadequacy in old European women. The prevalence could be even higher in some particular countries.

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81% < 30 ng/ml – includes the 20% were taking (a small amount of) vitmain D supplements

See also Vitamin D Life

• Incidence of 22 health problems related to vitamin D have doubled in a decade
• Summary review of Vitamin D for Europe is behind a paywall – Aug 2013
• German seniors 10 pct less than 7ng, 92 pct less than 30 ng vitamin D – Jan 2012
• Vitamin D levels in Germany – Jan 2012 has the following chart

10 reasons why seniors need more vitamin D has the following

1. Senior skin produces 3X less Vitamin D for the same sun intensity
2. Seniors have fewer vitamin D receptors as they age
   (The effect of low Vitamin D receptor genes does not show up on vitamin D test results)
3. Seniors are indoors more than when when they were younger
   not as agile, weaker muscles; frail, no longer enjoy hot temperatures
   (if outside, stay in the shade), however, seniors might start outdoor activities like gardening, biking, etc.
4. Seniors wear more clothing outdoors than when younger
   fear skin cancer/wrinkles, sometimes avoid bright light after cataract surgery
5. Seniors often take various drugs which reduce vitamin D (some would not show up on vitamin D test) statins, chemotherapy, anti-depressants, blood pressure, beta-blockers, etc
6. Seniors often have one or more diseases which consume vitamin D ( osteoporosis, diabetes, MS, ...)
7. Seniors generally put on weight at they age - and a heavier body requires more vitamin D
8. Seniors often (40%) have fatty livers – which do not process vitamin D as well
9. Seniors not have as much Magnesium needed to use vitamin D
   (would not show up on vitamin D test)
10. Seniors with poorly functioning kidneys do not process vitamin D as well
    (would not show up on vitamin D test) 2009 full text online  Also PDF 2009
11. Vitamin D is not as bioavailable in senior digestive systems (Stomach acid or intestines?)

• Category Seniors and Vitamin D 341 items