ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the interaction between a set of factors commonly associated with vitamin D production and nutritional intake and serum 25(OH)D levels among older adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional study on 346 adults over 60 years. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured following routine biochemical laboratory protocols. Multivariable logistic regression investigated which factors were independently associated with vitamin D deficiency. RESULTS: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was 35.3% and 44.2%, respectively. The multivariable logistic regression showed gender and BMI as independent adjustment measures for serum 25(OH)D levels; all other associations were non-significant. CONCLUSIONS: Sex and BMI prevail as principal determinants of serum 25(OH)D levels among older adults. BMI seems to have a more pronounced influence on serum 25(OH)D levels of females compared to males. Healthcare professionals should consider active screening for changes in serum 25(OH)D levels in older obese adults, especially females.
