Vitamin D deficiency and associated factors among Portuguese older adults - preliminary data from Nutrition UP 65

• Type: Summary of Presentation in a National Conference
• Date: 2016

Authors

Álvares, Luísa (Author) FCNAUP; Amaral, Teresa (Author) FCNAUP; Moreira, Pedro (Author) FCNAUP; Padrão, Patrícia (Author) FCNAUP; Afonso, Cláudia (Author) FCNAUP; Sousa, Ana (Author) FCNAUP; Ferro, Graça (Author) Other; Martins, Cátia (Author) Other; Santos, Alejandro (Author) FCNAUP; Borges, Nuno (Author) FCNAUP

Conference proceedings National

Title: Revista APNEP (Associação Portuguesa de Nutrição Entérica e Parentérica)

Initial page: 66

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Health sciences

FOS: Medical and Health sciences

Other information

Abstract (EN): INTRODUCTION: Background and aims: Recent studies show that vitamin D deficiency is a common problem among older adults. Data from European individuals report a prevalence of vitamin D deficiency up to 40%. However, data regarding Portuguese community dwelling elderly or living in care homes is lacking. This study aimed to identify vitamin D status and factors associated with vitamin D deficiency among a sample of Portuguese older adults within the Nutrition UP 65 study. Methods: A cluster sampling approach was used, representing Portuguese older adults according to age, sex, education level and regional area (NUTS). A cross sectional study was conducted. Vitamin D status was assessed by dosing 25(OH) D (calcidiol) serum levels and classified as normal (¿ 30 ng/mL), insufficient (20-29.9 ng/mL) or deficient (<20 ng/mL). A multivariable logistic regression model was conducted to identify factors associated with vitamin D deficiency and Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were calculated. Results: From a sample size of 1500 participants, preliminary data from 361 older adults are available, 72.6% women, aged ¿65 years (39.6% aged ¿80 years). Frequency of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was 69.8% and 19.4%, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, factors associated with vitamin D deficiency were obesity, i.e., BMI ¿ 30.0 kg/m2, (OR=2.88, 95% CI: 1.41-5.88) and low gait speed (OR=1.85, 95% CI: 1.05-3.26). Besides, taking nutrient supplements decreased the odds of presenting vitamin D deficiency by 73% (OR= 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13-0.58). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency affects more than two thirds of this sample of Portuguese older adults. Being obese and presenting low gait speed are factors associated with vitamin D deficiency among this age group.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific