Posted by: Kevin G. Parker, D.C.
Pub Med. Gov: J Nutr Health Aging. 2012 Mar;16(3):270-5.
Vitamin D status in relation to postural stability in the elderly.
Boersma D, Demontiero O, Mohtasham Amiri Z, Hassan S, Suarez H, Geisinger D, Suriyaarachchi P, Sharma A, Duque G.
A group from Nepean Hospital in Australia led by Dr. Boersma discovered that vitamin D levels are clearly associated with postural stability.
Source
Department of Geriatric Medicine, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, NSW, Australia 2751.
Abstract
CONCLUSION:
Low levels of vitamin D were associated with Postural instability. This association could also have an effect on slow Gait velocity and increased risk of falls.
In conclusion, using an objective method to measure balance in older fallers we have identified a novel role of vitamin D in balance control.
Prospective studies are required to confirm the effect of vitamin D on PI and elucidate the mechanisms of this association.
OBJECTIVES:
Postural instability (PI) is an important risk factor for falls, especially in the frail older population. In this study, we investigated the impact of vitamin D deficiency on PI in a sample of community dwelling older subjects. Our objective was to determine the potential association between vitamin D deficiency and PI in older fallers.
DESIGN:
Cross-sectional study.
SETTING:
Falls and Fractures Clinic, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, Australia.
PARTICIPANTS:
One hundred and forty-five adults aged 65 years and older who have had at least one episode of a fall within the six months prior to assessment at the Falls and Fractures Clinic.
MEASUREMENTS:
Serum 25(OH) vitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] and parathyroid hormone concentrations were determined at baseline. Subjects were separated into 3 groups based on serum 25(OH)D3 levels with the following cut-off values: < 30 nmol/L (deficient), 30-50 nmol/L (insufficient) and > 50 nmol/L (normal). Other baseline measurements included body mass index, mini-nutritional assessment, grip strength, serum calcium concentration and creatinine clearance, which were used as covariables. PI was assessed using a computerized virtual reality system (Medicaa, Uruguay). Measured parameters included limits of stability (LOS) and centre of pressure (COP) under eyes closed on foam (ECF) and visio-vestibular stimulation. The estimated swaying area, computed from the ellipse of confidence under eyes closed standing on foam (ECF), was also used as a PI parameter. Gait velocity (GV) was measured using a GaitRITE walkway system.
RESULTS:
Posture was impaired in vitamin D deficiency (<30 nmol/L) as indicated by lower LOS (90 +/- 18), higher ECF (25 +/- 10) and slower GV (55 +/- 7) as compared with the insufficient and normal groups. After adjustment for demographic, biochemical and anthropometric variables, vitamin D deficiency significantly correlated with low LOS and high COP under ECF.
Other good Vit D articles:
1. Vit D for Cancer Prevention-Annals of Epidemiology 2009
2. Vit D- Reduction in breast cancer risk-Cancer Causes Ctrl 2010
3. Vit D2 versus D3-Meta Analysis-John J. Cannell, M.D.
4. Vit D3 and the Flu-Epidemiology and Infection-2007
5. Vit. D- The Food and Nutrition Board has failed millions
6. Vit. D-What We Have Learned About Vitamin D Dosing
7. Vitamin D Supplementation: An Update-U.S. Pharmacist 11/11/2010
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