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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Boston, Massachusetts » Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #395657
Research Project: Nutrient Metabolism and Musculoskeletal Health in Older Adults

Location: Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging

Title: Vitamin D in the older population: A consensus statement

Author
item GIUSTINA, ANDREA - Vita-Salute San Raffaele University
item BOUILLON, ROGER - Tufts University
item DAWSON-HUGHES, BESS - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University
item EBELING, PETER - Monash University
item LAZARETTI-CASTRO, MARISE - Federal University Of Sao Paulo
item LIPS, PAUL - University Medical Center Amsterdam
item MARCOCCI, CLAUDIO - University Of Pisa
item BILEZIKIAN, JOHN - Columbia University

Submitted to: Endocrine
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/21/2022
Publication Date: 11/9/2022
Citation: Giustina, A., Bouillon, R., Dawson-Hughes, B., Ebeling, P.R., Lazaretti-Castro, M., Lips, P., Marcocci, C., Bilezikian, J.P. 2022. Vitamin D in the older population: A consensus statement. Endocrine. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12020-022-03208-3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12020-022-03208-3

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Hypovitaminosis D can lead to severe skeletal and extra-skeletal outcomes. Older adults are at risk for vitamin D deficiency as both production and metabolism of vitamin D change with aging due to factors, such as reduced sun exposure and reduced production capacity of the skin. Skeletal consequences of these age-related changes can include reduced bone mineral density, osteomalacia and fractures. Potential extra-skeletal effects can include added risks for falls, reduced muscle strength, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Strategies to avoid these vitamin D deficiency-related negative outcomes include sun exposure, food fortification, and supplementation. While aging does not diminish sufficient reserve capacity for cutaneous vitamin D production, concerns about skin cancers and practical matters for the institutionalized elderly limit this option. Supplementation with vitamin D is the best option either pharmacologically or through food fortification. Regardless of treatment strategies, interventions to restore sufficient vitamin D status will show positive results only in those who are truly deficient. Thus, treatment goals should focus on avoiding 25(OH)D serum levels <30 nmol/l, with a goal to reach levels >50 nmol/l.