[Hypovitaminosis D associated to low sun exposure in the population over 64 years old]. / Hipovitaminosis D asociada a exposición solar insuficiente en la población mayor de 64 años.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors related to hypovitaminosis D in the population over 64 years of age without known risk factors of hypovitaminosis D. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: It was a cross-sectional population study in individuals over 64 year-old attending basic healthcare areas in our hospital's area of reference. A survey was conducted to assess various items (functional capacity, exposure to sun, walks, eating habits). Blood samples taken from each participant were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 239 individuals -mean age (standard deviation): 72 (5.4) years- were evaluated. 95% of the participants scored > 90 on the Barthel index. Mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 -25(OH)D3- concentration was 17 (7.5) ng/ml and intact parathormone was 60 (26 pg/ml). The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was 87%, including 70.3% with insufficiency (25(OH)D3 between 11 and 25 ng/ml) and 16.7% with deficiency (25(OH)D3 < or = 10 ng/ml). The intake of vitamin D and calcium were below recommended levels. The principal source of vitamin D was oily fish. Participants with deficiency scored lower on the Barthel index, had a higher mean age, lived in flats, had less exposure to sun, and used to walk less in sun-hours. Higher levels of alkaline phosphatase and intact parathormone were found in participants with deficiency. The variables independently and significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency were a Barthel score < or = 90, scant exposure to sun and living in a flat. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in the population aged over 64 years in our area, which is associated with lower functional capacity, scant exposure to sun and living in flats.

Hipovitaminosis D asociada a exposición solar insuficiente en la población mayor de 64 años / Hypovitaminosis D associated to low sun exposure in the population over 64 years old

Fundamento y objetivo: Identificar los factores relacionados con la hipovitaminosis D en la población ambulatoria mayor de 64 años sin factores de riesgo conocidos de hipovitaminosis D. Sujetos y método: Se ha realizado un estudio transversal de ámbito poblacional en personas mayores de 64 años procedentes de las áreas básicas de salud del área de referencia del hospital. Se realizó una encuesta con varios ítems (capacidad funcional, exposición solar, paseos, alimentación) y se determinaron parámetros analíticos. Resultados: Se evaluó a 239 personas, cuya edad media (desviación estándar) era de 72 (5,4) años. El 95% presentaba un índice de Barthel mayor de 90. La concentración sérica media de 25-hidroxicolecalciferol ­25(OH)D3­ fue de 17 (7,5) ng/ml y la de paratirina intacta, de 60 (26) pg/ml. La prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D fue del 87%. El 70,3% presentó insuficiencia ­25(OH)D3 entre 11 y 25 ng/ml­ y el 16,7% deficiencia ­25(OH)D3 # 10 ng/ml­. La ingesta de vitamina D y calcio fue inferior a lo recomendado. La principal fuente de vitamina D fue el pescado azul. Las personas con deficiencia tenían un menor índice de Barthel, edad media superior, vivían en pisos, tenían una ingesta menor de calcio, menor exposición solar y menor hábito de pasear al sol. Los valores más elevados de fosfatasa alcalina y paratirina intacta se hallaron en las personas con deficiencia. Las variables asociadas independiente y significativamente con la situación de deficiencia fueron el índice de Barthel igual o menor de 90, no tomar el sol y vivir en un piso. Conclusiones: Se evidencia una elevada prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D durante los meses de invierno, que se asocia a un menor grado de autonomía funcional, a un escaso hábito de exposición solar y a vivir en un piso, en los mayores de 64 años residentes en nuestra comunidad

Background and objective: To identify the factors related to hypovitaminosis D in the population over 64 years of age without known risk factors of hypovitaminosis D. Subjects and method: It was a cross-sectional population study in individuals over 64 year-old attending basic healthcare areas in our hospital's area of reference. A survey was conducted to assess various items (functional capacity, exposure to sun, walks, eating habits). Blood samples taken from each participant were analyzed. Results: A total of 239 individuals ­mean age (standard deviation): 72 (5.4) years­ were evaluated. 95% of the participants scored > 90 on the Barthel index. Mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 ­25(OH)D3­ concentration was 17 (7.5) ng/ml and intact parathormone was 60 (26 pg/ml). The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was 87%, including 70.3% with insufficiency (25(OH)D3 between 11 and 25 ng/ml) and 16.7% with deficiency (25(OH)D3 # 10 ng/ml). The intake of vitamin D and calcium were below recommended levels. The principal source of vitamin D was oily fish. Participants with deficiency scored lower on the Barthel index, had a higher mean age, lived in flats, had less exposure to sun, and used to walk less in sun-hours. Higher levels of alkaline phosphatase and intact parathormone were found in participants with deficiency. The variables independently and significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency were a Barthel score # 90, scant exposure to sun and living in a flat. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in the population aged over 64 years in our area, which is associated with lower functional capacity, scant exposure to sun and living in flats