Over Supplementation of Vitamin D May Slow Progression of Frailty

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A University at Buffalo study revealed how high doses of vitamin D could slow down the progression of frailty in mice.

Most adults are either deficient in vitamin D which results in clear, clinical symptoms, or there is an insufficiency which often goes undetected. However, there has been no clear studies previously that shows how this deficiency or insufficiency can impact the physical health and vulnerability of older adults to frailty.

"Over" supplementation with vitamin D, also referred to as "hypersufficiency", can slow down this frailty. The study involved 24-28-month-old mice, which are the equivalent to a 65-to-80-year-old adult. The findings were published in the journal Nutrients.

The team based their work on the previous study that shows how long-term insufficient vitamin D levels affected the physical performance in young rodents. In this new study, the researchers found that even with sufficient levels of vitamin D throughout the life of a mice, if they were to experience insufficient vitamin D during the later years of life, the physical impairments will also appear much sooner.

(Photo : pixabay)

Results of the Study

Kenneth L. Seldeen, first author of the study, mentioned that low vitamin D levels in aged mice were associated with physical declines, such as reduced grip strength and grip endurance, as well as a decline in both balance and coordination. All of these signs were observed just one month after reducing the intake of vitamin D.

This data supports the knowledge that humans with low vitamin D levels are more at risk for falls, especially in frail older adults.

In mice, frailty is defined as having three or more of the following symptoms: unexpected weight loss, weak grip strength, poor endurance, low activity levels, and slow gait speed.

The study revealed that when the rodents were given the highest amount of vitamin D, at 8,000 IU per kilogram of chow, their frailty did not progress over the timeframe of the study.

There is currently disagreement on how much vitamin D is considered sufficient among adults to stay healthy. But these findings may support the need for higher doses for adults to stay healthy.

Vitamin D

According to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), 20 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) of vitamin D is sufficient to sustain bone health in adults. The NAM Food and Nutrition Board recommends adults ages 19-70 consume 600 IU of vitamin D per day and that individuals over 70 consume 800 IU of vitamin D per day.

Bruce R. Troen, MD, professor of medicine and chief of the Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, recommends that older adults need a minimum of 2,000 IU of vitamin D per day, especially for frail, geriatric patients.

However, this research reveals that a lifetime ample supplementation of vitamin D is required to maintain long-term functional capacity and health.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D is produced when by the body when ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger the synthesis of vitamin D. Vitamin D doesn't occur naturally in many foods which is why certain foods have added vitamin D.

Deficiency in vitamin D can make you more prone to sickness due to a weakening of the immune system. Vitamin D improves the absorption of calcium in the blood, if required levels are not met, it can also result to back pain.

For some people like vegans and those who are lactose-intolerant, people may need to take supplements to meet the required needs per day. This is the reason why it is important to eat a variety of healthy foods from all food groups.

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