The influence of age on bone mineral regulating hormones.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of age on the blood levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) and immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH) in normal, healthy males and females. A total of 855 normal subjects (361 males and 494 females) were studied. The results show that for healthy males, blood concentrations of 1,25(OH)2D remained essentially constant with increasing age up to age 65, and then the concentrations decreased significantly. For healthy females, 1,25(OH)2D increased up to age 65, and then decreased at a significant rate. Serum iPTH in males increased with advancing age, but the rate of increase was greater after age 65. In females a significant increase in iPTH concentrations did not occur until after age 65. Serum creatinine increased in both males and females with advancing age.