Association between muscle strength and serum vitamin D metabolites in ambulatory elderly people

Journal/Book: Z Rheumatol 1998; 57 Suppl. 1: 57 (P 48). 1998;

Abstract: 1Depts. of Geriatrics 2Sports Med. 3Statistics and 4Rheumatology; University Hospital Basel Introduction: In conditions of vitamin D deficiency or deminished synthesis of 1 25-dihydroxyvitamin D such as osteomalacia and uremia marked muscle weakness is a clinical feature. Receptors for 1 25(OH)2 vitamin D as well as functional responsiveness to 1 25(OH)2 vitamin D at physiological levels have been identified in skeletal muscle tissue. To identify a relationship between loss of muscle strength and vitamin D deficiency in the elderly we measured leg extension power (LEP) and serum vitamin D levels in ambulatory elderly persons without vitamin D treatment. Methods: 327 subjects (109 women: mean age 74; age range 62 - 86/218 men: mean age 77; age range 66 - 95) were studied during April to September 1996. A custom-built rig was used to assess LEP. The best two out of five measurements taken on each leg were averaged. With this method explosive power of the leg in extension is messured with undue cardiopulmonary strain. Body mass index and routine laboratory tests were measured as well as 25(OH)D 1 25(OH)2D and intact PTH (radioimmuno assays; Nichols(r)). Results: Muscle strength was lower in older subjects (female: r = -0.35; p = 0.0005/male: r = -0.48; p < 0.0001) and in women in comparison to men (p < 0.0001). Body mass index showed correlation with LEP only in men (r = 0.14; p = 0.04). 12 % of female and 18 % of male subjects had 25(OH)D values below the normal range (< 12 ng/ml) and elevated iPTH levels ( 55 pg/ml) were found in 23 % of all women and 17 % of men. ... le

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