BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Darker skin pigmentation and aging are known factors influencing the body's ability to synthesize adequate amounts of vitamin D (25OHD). The objective of this study is to determine the 25OHD insufficiency in elderly African American females of low socioeconomic status (SES) in a southern latitude during springtime sun exposure. METHODS: Patients >or= 70 years old who did not have disorders that might affect vitamin D and calcium absorption/metabolism were enrolled at a community health center. Serum calcium, 25OHD, and intact parathyroid hormone were measured and repeated 6--8 weeks later. Bone mineral density (BMD) scan results were obtained from clinic records. RESULTS: Most subjects (86.4%) had inadequate 25OHD levels < 32ng/mL, and no clinically significant rise in levels was seen after 6--8 weeks of sun exposure. A quarter of subjects had truly deficient 25OHD levels <or= 15ng/mL. 25OHD levels were positively correlated with BMD only at the lumbar spine. Fifty-two percent of subjects were osteopenic, and 9% were osteoporotic. CONCLUSIONS: 25OHD insufficiency is common among low SES elderly African American women, and springtime sunlight exposure does not cause significant increases in 25OHD. Additionally, this population has low calcium and vitamin D intake from diet, and more women than expected had reduced BMD.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Darker skin pigmentation and aging are known factors influencing the body's ability to synthesize adequate amounts of vitamin D (25OHD). The objective of this study is to determine the 25OHD insufficiency in elderly African American females of low socioeconomic status (SES) in a southern latitude during springtime sun exposure. METHODS:Patients >or= 70 years old who did not have disorders that might affect vitamin D and calcium absorption/metabolism were enrolled at a community health center. Serum calcium, 25OHD, and intact parathyroid hormone were measured and repeated 6--8 weeks later. Bone mineral density (BMD) scan results were obtained from clinic records. RESULTS: Most subjects (86.4%) had inadequate 25OHD levels < 32ng/mL, and no clinically significant rise in levels was seen after 6--8 weeks of sun exposure. A quarter of subjects had truly deficient 25OHD levels <or= 15ng/mL. 25OHD levels were positively correlated with BMD only at the lumbar spine. Fifty-two percent of subjects were osteopenic, and 9% were osteoporotic. CONCLUSIONS:25OHD insufficiency is common among low SES elderly African American women, and springtime sunlight exposure does not cause significant increases in 25OHD. Additionally, this population has low calcium and vitamin D intake from diet, and more women than expected had reduced BMD.
Authors: Martina Rabenberg; Christa Scheidt-Nave; Markus A Busch; Nina Rieckmann; Birte Hintzpeter; Gert B M Mensink Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2015-07-11 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Yinjie Zhu; Isidor Minović; Louise H Dekker; Manfred L Eggersdorfer; Sander K R van Zon; Sijmen A Reijneveld; Jenny E Kootstra-Ros; Ido P Kema; Stephan J L Bakker; Gerjan J Navis; Ineke J Riphagen Journal: Nutrients Date: 2020-08-31 Impact factor: 5.717