Serum calcidiol and calcitriol concentrations in elderly people: variations with age, sex, season and disease.
The influence of age, sex, seasonal variations and vitamin D supplementation on serum concentrations (s-conc.) of calcidiol and calcitriol were studied in 311 hospitalized and 106 home-living people aged 70 years and over, residing at 60 degrees latitude. The serum calcidiol conc. (mean + SD, nmol/L) was reduced in the hospital group compared to the home-living group (males: 40.6 +/- 23.2 compared to 59.6 +/- 28.9; females: 37.3 +/- 22.6 compared to 48.5 +/- 20.3) and showed no seasonal variation. The home-living group showed highest levels in August-September (62.2 +/- 26), and lowest levels in January-March (42.9 +/- 21). Serum calcidiol declined with age, most prominent in the home group (males: r = -0.13, P = 0.036;females: r = -0.33, P = 0.001). A positive correlation was shown between s-calcitriol and s-calcidiol conc. (r = 0.26, P > 0.001). An increased s-conc. of calcidol was present in those with vitamin supplementation (home: 59.9 +/- 26; hospital: 43.4 +/- 22) compared to those without supplementation (home: 46.6 +/- 22; hospital: 36.2 +/- 22), but s-calcidiol conc. did not correlate to nutritional vitamin D intake. Vitamin D deficiency (s-calcidiol conc. < 30 nmol/L) was more common in old people recently admitted to hospital, compared to those living at home. Only the home-living group had the benefit of sunlight exposure, but both groups may benefit from vitamin supplementation.
Mowé
M
M
Department of Medicine, Aker University Hospital, N-0514 Oslo, Norway.
Bøhmer
T
T
Haug
E
E