Attention is needed to the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in our older population.
The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in females residing in one large, aged-care facility in Auckland. Thirty-nine residents, most of whom were able to go outdoors without assistance, were tested for midwinter 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and, of these, 36 were tested again in midsummer. The prevalence of frank hypovitaminosis (<10 microg/L) was found to be 49% in midwinter and 33% in midsummer. The vitamin D status of such at-risk individuals could be normalised either by 15-30 minutes of daily sun exposure or, alternatively, a programme of supplementation.
Ley
S J
SJ
Department of Community Health, University of Auckland.
Horwath
C C
CC
Stewart
J M
JM
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D013472:Sunlight; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000453:epidemiology*