[Determinants of vitamin D supplement use among community-dwelling older adults].
OBJECTIVE
We estimated the prevalence of vitamin D supplement use and determinants of vitamin D use in community-dwelling adults≥70 year.


METHODS
In April 2013, in multiple cities in the Netherlands we determined the use of vitamin D supplements among 215 community-dwelling older adults. The questionnaire consisted of questions about demographics, knowledge about vitamin D, vitamin D use and reasons for (not) using vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D use is defined as self-reported vitamin D during at least part of the year.


RESULTS
The mean age was 79±6.5 year and 63% was female. Self-reported -vitamin D supplement use was 28% among free-living older adults. Only 11 individuals (5%) used vitamin D as advised by the Dutch Health Council (20 µg per day). Logistic regression analyses indicated that women, adults with a higher education level and adults with multiple vitamin D related disorders/fractures were more prevalent vitamin D users.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the advice of the Dutch Health Council, the use of vitamin D supplements among free-living older adults≥70 year is very low. Older adults are not convinced of the benefits of using vitamin D supplements. The general practitioner could play a crucial role in providing information about vitamin D supplementation among older adults.
Afdeling Gezondheidswetenschappen, EMGO  Instituut, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, Nederland. hanne.vanballegooijen@gmail.com.
Adriana J
AJ
van Ballegooijen
Afdeling Gezondheidswetenschappen, EMGO  Instituut, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, Nederland.|Afdeling Diëtetiek en Voedingswetenschappen, Interne Geneeskunde, VU medisch centrum, Amsterdam, Nederland.
Marjolein
M
Visser
Afdeling Gezondheidswetenschappen, EMGO  Instituut, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, Nederland.
Ingeborg A
IA
Brouwer
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D014807:Vitamin D
Advice health council; Community-dwelling adults; Supplement use; Vitamin D