[Vitamin D and old age].
Aging is associated with a decrease in the uptake, synthesis and effect of vitamin D3. New evaluations of large study groups confirm the importance of adapting previous population-based normal values to serum levels that have relevance for the desired effect. A positive effect on, among other things, bone density, neuromuscular function and fracture rate is seen only for vitamin D3 serum levels in the region of 90-100 nmol/l. These effects were unequivocally dose-dependent, so that a supplementation of more than 800 IU/day is recommended. At lower initial values, much higher doses are often required. The inhabitants of old people's homes are most likely to benefit from the administration of supplemental vitamin D.
Siggelkow
Heide
H
Gastroenterologie und Endokrinologie, Universitätsklinik und ENDOKRINOLOGIKUM, Göttingen. heide.siggelkow@endokrinologikum.com
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D002762:Cholecalciferol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000188:drug therapy*
D002762:Cholecalciferol