Group | Winter | Summer |
Nursing | 14.4 | 16.8 |
Community | 17.6 | 23.6 |
Active Elderly | 31.2 | 36.4 |
Young | >27.6 | >41.2 |
The participants were divided into four groups: elderly living in nursing homes (Nursing), elderly living in the community (Community), elderly enrolled in an outdoor physical activity program (Active Elderly), and a group of young people around the age of 23 years (Young). Their vitamin D levels were tested throughout the year, and Dr. Lazaretti and her colleagues found some interesting results.
One of the first and most important findings is that the 20 ng/mL level of vitamin D proposed by the US Institute of Medicine for adequate bone protection is actually 10 ng/mL too low. Based on control and optimization of parathyroid hormone levels, Lazaretti found that vitamin D levels should be above 30 ng/mL for bone protection.
She also found the following:
Better Bones take home messages
Dr. Lazaretti’s research reminds us of the importance of vitamin D and its connection to Better Bones. Here’s a quick start to healthier bones:
1. Get your vitamin D level tested.
2. Protect your skeleton with at least a 30 ng/mL level. Our target vitamin D level is 50 ng throughout the year.
3. Supplement with vitamin D as necessary. Each 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 generally raises the vitamin D level 10 ng/mL.
4. Exercise outdoors and enjoy the sunlight when possible.
Reference:
Maeda, S et al. 2011. 25-hydroxyvitamin D delayed response to seasonal ultraviolet radiation type B: The São Paulo vitamin D evaluation study (SPADES). Poster #P29, Forum on Aging and Skeletal Health, ASBMR, March 21-22, held at the NIH, Bethesda, MD.