Vitamin D increases physical performance in elderly: Safari study

In a new study, the researchers found that Vitamin D increases muscular strength and physical performance in the elderly, more so who have Vit D deficiency. The researchers found a positive non-linear relationship between Vit D (25(OH)D) and functional gain, stronger in levels < 16 ng/ml (below the cutoff for "deficiency").Therefore an early Vit D supplementation may be advisable for this population. The study has appeared in Journal Osteoporosis International.

Vitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency is highly prevalent in older people, and it is associated with poor muscular strength and physical performance. Its impact on functional outcomes during geriatric rehabilitation has been poorly studied. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with poor physical performance; little is known about its impact on geriatric rehabilitation.

In the new prospective multicenter cohort study, Dr D. Lelli at Area di GeriatriaUniversità Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy and associates analyzed the association between Vit D and functional recovery in geriatric rehabilitation units.

In this study, investigators assessed 420 individuals (66.4% females) aged ≥ 65 years (admitted to three geriatric rehabilitation units after orthopaedic events or stroke) in Italy and Spain in order to investigate the relationship between vitamin D (25[OH]D) and functional recovery among geriatric people. Outcomes included absolute functional gain (discharge-admission Barthel index) and the ability to walk at 3 months after admission. They observed a positive association between 25(OH)D concentration and functional outcomes at 3 months.

The researchers concluded that Vit D (25(OH)D) concentration showed a positive association with functional outcomes at 3 months. The association is stronger below the usual cutoff for "deficiency." The dosage of 25(OH)D concentration may help identify geriatric rehabilitation patients at risk for a worse functional recovery. They suggested that dosage of 25(OH)D concentration may be a helpful tool in recognizing geriatric rehabilitation patients who are at risk for a worse functional recovery.

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and maintain strong bones throughout the entire life. The body produces vitamin D when the sun's UV rays contact the skin. Other good sources of the vitamin include fish, eggs, and fortified dairy products. It's also available as a dietary supplement.

Vitamin D must go through several processes in the body before the body can use it. The first transformation occurs in the liver and here body converts vitamin D to a chemical known as 25-hydroxyvitamin D, also called calcidiol.

for further reference log on to :

Lelli, D., Pérez Bazan, L.M., Calle Egusquiza, A. et al. Osteoporos Int (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-019-04845-7