An evaluation of the relative contributions of exposure to sunlight and of diet to the circulating concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in an elderly nursing home population in Boston.
We investigated the vitamin D status of a Caucasian elderly population in a long-term-care facility in Boston. Comparison was made with a group of free-living elderly people. The sunlight exposure of residents was monitored and its effect on the serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was compared with contributions from diet and multivitamins. Seasonal changes in serum 25(OH)D concentrations caused by sunlight exposure were greatest in the free-living subjects and declined in magnitude as the mobility of the volunteers decreased. Diet failed to provide an adequate amount of vitamin D for volunteers who had minimal outdoor activity. Use of a multivitamin supplement containing 10 micrograms (400 IU) vitamin D maintained serum 25(OH)D concentrations greater than 37.5 nmol/L.
Webb
A R
AR
Vitamin D, Skin and Bone Research Laboratory, Boston University School of Medicine, MA 02118.
Pilbeam
C
C
Hanafin
N
N
Holick
M F
MF
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000097:blood*; D001900:Boston; D004032:Diet; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D006887:Hydroxycholecalciferols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D009735:Nursing Homes; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone / Q000097:blood; D012621:Seasons; D013472:Sunlight
D006887:Hydroxycholecalciferols; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone