Vitamin D and health-related quality of life in a community sample of older Canadians.
OBJECTIVE
To assess how vitamin D status is associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among older residents of Canada.


METHODS
We analysed baseline data of 1,493 Canadians aged 50 years and over in Alberta on HRQOL (EQ-5D-5L) and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) as a measure of vitamin D status. We applied multivariable regression methods to examine the association between vitamin D status and each of the five dimensions and the summary index of the EQ-5D-5L.


RESULTS
Participants with higher serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly less likely to report problems with mobility, usual activities, and depression and anxiety. Specifically, age- and gender-adjusted odds ratios for reporting problems with mobility, usual activities, and depression and anxiety were 0.58 (95 % confidence interval 0.44-0.78), 0.67 (0.50-0.89), and 0.67 (0.51-0.88) per 100 nmol/L increase in 25(OH)D, respectively. No significant associations were observed for problems with self-care and with pain and discomfort. HRQOL scores combining the responses of each of the five dimensions increased significantly with increasing serum 25(OH)D levels.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study to reveal the importance of vitamin D for the five dimensions of HRQOL in a community-based sample. The observed associations of vitamin D and HRQOL call for intervention studies to strengthen the evidence of the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation for HRQOL among older adults.
School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-50 University Terrace, 8303 - 112 Street, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T4, Canada.
Y S
YS
Chao
J P
JP
Ekwaru
A
A
Ohinmaa
G
G
Griener
P J
PJ
Veugelers
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000416:Alberta; D001007:Anxiety; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012648:Self Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000097:blood; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000150:complications
D014807:Vitamin D; C104450:25-hydroxyvitamin D