[PHNUTR-L] Vitamin D Linked With Neuromuscular Performance in the Elderly

[Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD]

Colleagues, the following is FYI and does not necessarily reflect my own
opinion. I have no further knowledge of the topic. If you do not wish to
receive these posts, set your email filter to filter out any messages
coming from   @nutritionucanlivewith.com    and the program will remove
anything coming from me.
---------------------------------------------------------
Access is free, but requires a one-time subscription.

NOTE: To view the article with Web enhancements, go to:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/513634


Vitamin D Linked With Neuromuscular Performance in the Elderly

Linda Little

Medscape Medical News 2005. © 2005 Medscape

Sept. 28, 2005 (Nashville) — Low serum levels of vitamin D in the body 
may make elderly persons more susceptible to falls, Netherlands 
researchers reported here at the American Society of Mineral and Bone 
Research (ASBMR) 27th annual meeting.

"Low levels of vitamin D were associated with low physical performance," 
said Ilse Wicherts, a doctorate student at Vu University Medical Center 
in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. "This study shows that neuromuscular 
performance in those with lower levels of vitamin D was significantly 
lower than those with adequate levels.

"These individuals already are fragile," added Ms. Wicherts, the winner 
of an ASMBR Young Investigator Award. "The lack of mobility places them 
at high risk of falls and fractures."

In the study 1,238 men and women (mean age, 75 years) by Ms. Wicherts 
and colleagues, a low serum level of vitamin D was associated with lower 
neuromuscular performance. The study was undertaken within the framework 
of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA).

Neuromuscular performance was measured by five chair stands for muscle 
strength, a walking test for balance, and tandem stand testing 
coordination and mobility where participants must stand with one foot in 
front of the other. Each performance test was scored in seconds and was 
classified with scores from 1 to 4 according to quartiles of 
distribution. The total performance score for muscle strength and 
balance ranged from 0 to 12. The researchers used a multivariate 
regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index.

Eleven percent of the participants had serum vitamin D levels less than 
25 nmol/L, 37% had levels between 25 and 50 nmol/L, 33% had levels 
between 50 and 75 nmol/L, and 17% had levels of 75 nmol/L or above.

Scores for chair stands, the walking test, and tandem stand each showed 
significant improvement with increased serum levels of vitamin D.

Participants with vitamin D at 25 nmol/L had a performance score of 4.9 
while those with vitamin D levels between 25 and 50 nmol/L had scores of 
6.82 and those with levels between 50 and 75 nmol/L had scores of 8.10. 
Participants with vitamin D levels of 75 nmol/L or higher had 
performance scores of 8.72.

"There was a linear progression," Ms. Wicherts said. "The change in 
performance scores with increasing serum 25(OH)D was significant for all 
steps."

When researchers adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, and 
alcohol consumption, the performance score increased significantly with 
serum vitamin D levels up to 50 nmol/L. Performance was reduced 18% if 
the vitamin D levels were lower than 25 nmol/L compared with 
participants with levels of 75 nmol/L or higher and 5% if vitamin D 
levels were between 25 and 50 nmol/L after adjusting for other risk 
factors, Ms. Wicherts said.

"Persons with low serum vitamin D levels had a higher risk for low 
physical performance," Ms. Wiecherts told Medscape. "The strongest 
effects were found in persons with a major deficiency."

"This is a very important study because it suggests that vitamin D is 
not only important for bone health, but is important in neuromuscular 
stability," said Elizabeth Shane, MD, president-elect of ASBMR. "Bone 
fracture is due to not only bone issues, but issues contributing to falls.

"There is a two-pronged effect here that can increase the propensity for 
fractures in the elderly," Dr. Shane said. "Adequate Vitamin D can aid 
in improving muscle strength and preventing falls in this older age group."

ASBMR 27th Annual Meeting: Abstract 1134. Presented September 26, 2005.

Reviewed by Gary D. Vogin, MD
-- 
Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD < fivestar at nutritionucanlivewith.com >
"Ask the Parkinson Dietitian"  http://www.parkinson.org/
"Eat well, stay well with Parkinson's disease"
"Parkinson's disease: Guidelines for Medical Nutrition Therapy"
http://www.nutritionucanlivewith.com/