Expression of eukaryotic-like protein in the microbiome of sponges.

Eukaryotic-like proteins (ELPs) are classes of proteins that are found in prokaryotes, but have a likely evolutionary origin in eukaryotes. ELPs have been postulated to mediate host-microbiome interactions. Recent work has discovered that prokaryotic symbionts of sponges contain abundant and diverse genes for ELPs, which could modulate interactions with their filter-feeding and phagocytic host. However, the extent to which these ELP genes are actually used and expressed by the symbionts is poorly understood. Here, we use metatranscriptomics to investigate ELP expression in the microbiomes of three different sponges (Cymbastella concentrica, Scopalina sp. and Tedania anhelens). We developed a workflow with optimized rRNA removal and in silico subtraction of host sequences to obtain a reliable symbiont metatranscriptome. This showed that between 1.3% and 2.3% of all symbiont transcripts contain genes for ELPs. Two classes of ELPs (cadherin and tetratricopeptide repeats) were abundantly expressed in the C. concentrica and Scopalina sp. microbiomes, while ankyrin repeat ELPs were predominant in the T. anhelens metatranscriptome. Comparison with transcripts that do not encode ELPs indicated a constitutive expression of ELPs across a range of bacterial and archaeal symbionts. Expressed ELPs also contained domains involved in protein secretion and/or were co-expressed with proteins involved in extracellular transport. This suggests these ELPs are likely exported, which could allow for direct interaction with the sponge. Our study shows that ELP genes in sponge symbionts represent actively expressed functions that could mediate molecular interaction between symbiosis partners.

Non-institutionalized nonagenarians health-related quality of life and nutritional status: is there a link between them?

INTRODUCTION: Nonagenarian population, clearly increasing, shows different characteristics from the rest of elderly people. Health-related quality of life is a way to study population health in physical, psychological and social dimensions. OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between nutritional status and health-related quality of life in a group of free-living nonagenarians. Differences with octogenarians were also studied. METHODS: Within Villanueva Older Health Study, 20 non-institutionalised people (92.5 ± 3.5 years; 80% women) make the nonagenarian subsample. Nutritional risk was assessed by Mininutritional Assessment questionnaire, dietary intake by a 24-hour dietary recall and health-related quality of life by EuroQoL-5D questionnaire. SPSS was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: 40% nonagenarians were at risk of malnutrition. Dietary assessment showed magnesium, zinc, potassium, folic acid, vitamin D and vitamin E deficiencies. Problems in mobility were more frequently reported (80%). EQ-5Dindex was associated with MNA(p<0.05). Self-care dimension was associated with calcium and niacin(p<0.05), retinol and cholesterol(p<0.01) intake. Usual activities dimension was associated with niacin(p<0.01) and cholesterol(p<0.05) intake. Pain/discomfort dimension was associated with protein(p<0.01), energy, selenium and niacin(p<0.05) intake. Anxiety/depression was associated with protein(p<0.01) and selenium(p<0.05) intake. CONCLUSIONS: Risk of malnutrition is a factor associated to health-related quality of life. Results suggest that energy and some nutrient intakes could be possibly associated to health-related quality of life but further research on this influence is required.

Introducción: La población nonagenaria, en claro crecimiento, muestra características diferentes del resto de la población anciana. La calidad de vida relacionada con la salud es una forma de estudiar la salud de la población en sus dimensiones física, psicológica y social. Objetivos: Observar la relación entre el estado nutricional y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en un grupo de nonagenarios de vida independiente. También se estudian las diferencias con los octogenarios. Método: Dentro del Estudio sobre Salud en Mayores de Villanueva de la Cañada, 20 personas (92,5±3,5 años; 80% mujeres) forman la submuestra de nonagenarios. El riesgo nutricional fue valorado mediante el Mininutritional Assessment, la ingesta dietética mediante un recuerdo de 24 horas y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud usando el cuestionario EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D). Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el programa SPSS. Resultados: 40% de los nonagenarios presentaban riesgo de malnutrición. Se detectaron posibles deficiencias de magnesio, cinc, potasio, ácido fólico, vitamina D y vitamina E. Los problemas de movilidad fueron los más frecuentes (80%). El EQ-5Dindice se asoció con el MNA(p.

Non-institutionalized nonagenarians health-related quality of life and nutritional status: is there a link between them? / Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud y estado nutricional en nonagenarios no institucionalizados: ¿están relacionados?

Introduction: Nonagenarian population, clearly increasing, shows different characteristics from the rest of elderly people. Health-related quality of life is a way to study population health in physical, psychological and social dimensions. Objectives: To examine the relationship between nutritional status and health-related quality of life in a group of free-living nonagenarians. Differences with octogenarians were also studied. Methods: Within Villanueva Older Health Study, 20 non-institutionalised people (92.5±3.5 years; 80% women) make the nonagenarian subsample. Nutritional risk was assessed by Mininutritional Assessment questionnaire, dietary intake by a 24-hour dietary recall and health-related quality of life by EuroQoL-5D questionnaire. SPSS was used for statistical analysis. Results: 40% nonagenarians were at risk of malnutrition. Dietary assessment showed magnesium, zinc, potassium, folic acid, vitamin D and vitamin E deficiencies. Problems in mobility were more frequently reported (80%). EQ-5Dindex was associated with MNA (p<0.05). Self-care dimension was associated with calcium and niacin (p<0.05), retinol and cholesterol (p<0.01) intake. Usual activities dimension was associated with niacin (p<0.01) and cholesterol (p<0.05) intake. Pain/discomfort dimension was associated with protein (p<0.01), energy, selenium and niacin(p<0.05) intake. Anxiety/depression was associated with protein(p<0.01) and selenium(p<0.05) intake. Conclusions: Risk of malnutrition is a factor associated to health-related quality of life. Results suggest that energy and some nutrient intakes could be possibly associated to health-related quality of life but further research on this influence is required (AU)

Introducción: La población nonagenaria, en claro crecimiento, muestra características diferentes del resto de la población anciana. La calidad de vida relacionada con la salud es una forma de estudiar la salud de la población en sus dimensiones física, psicológica y social. Objetivos: Observar la relación entre el estado nutricional y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en un grupo de nonagenarios de vida independiente. También se estudian las diferencias con los octogenarios. Método: Dentro del Estudio sobre Salud en Mayores de Villanueva de la Cañada, 20 personas (92,5±3,5 años; 80% mujeres) forman la submuestra de nonagenarios. El riesgo nutricional fue valorado mediante el Mininutritional Assessment, la ingesta dietética mediante un recuerdo de 24 horas y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud usando el cuestionario EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D). Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el programa SPSS. Resultados: 40% de los nonagenarios presentaban riesgo de malnutrición. Se detectaron posibles deficiencias de magnesio, cinc, potasio, ácido fólico, vitamina D y vitamina E. Los problemas de movilidad fueron los más frecuentes (80%). El EQ-5Dindice se asoció con el MNA (p <0,05). La dimensión de cuidado personal se asoció con la ingesta de calcio y niacina (p<0,05), retinol y colesterol (p<0,01). La presencia de problemas al realizar las actividades cotidianas se asoció con la ingesta de niacina (p<0,01) y colesterol (p<0,05). La dimensión de dolor/malestar se asoció con la ingesta de proteína (p<0,01), energía, selenio y niacina (p<0,05). Ansiedad/depresión se asoció con la ingesta de proteína (p<0,01) y selenio (p<0,05). Conclusiones: El riesgo de malnutrición es un factor asociado a la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud. Los resultados sugieren que la ingesta de energía y algunos nutrientes podrían estar asociados a la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud pero se requiere más investigación sobre esta influencia (AU)

Influence of nutritional status on health-related quality of life of non-institutionalized older people.

OBJECTIVES: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a multidimensional health measurement and a key to optimal aging. The aim of this study was to examine the association of nutritional status with HRQoL in the elderly. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Villanueva Older Health Study, a community-based study in Villanueva de la Cañada (Madrid, Spain). PARTICIPANTS: 83 (53 women) non-institutionalized inhabitants aged 80 years and above. MEASUREMENT: HRQoL was assessed by EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D) questionnaire, nutritional risk by Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire and dietary intake by 24-hour dietary recall. Statistical significance was evaluated at 95% confidence level (P<0.05). RESULTS: EQ-5D pointed out differences between men and women (0.782±0.235 and 0.633±0.247; p=0.02). Problems in mobility (total sample) and pain/discomfort (women) dimensions were most frequently reported. MNA (26.5±3.2 men and 24.3±3.2 women; p=0.03) revealed malnutrition in 3.3% of men and 1.9% of women, and risk of malnutrition in 6.7% and 37.7%, respectively. Total sample was at risk of folic acid, zinc, magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin E deficiency. EQ-5D was associated with MNA (p<0.001). EQ-5Dindex was associated with energy intake (p=0.04) and EQ-5Dvas was negatively correlated with body mass index (p=0.02). EQ-5D pain/discomfort dimension was associated with energy (p=0.006), protein (p=0.005), lipid (p=0.03), magnesium (p=0.032), phosphorus (p=0.012), selenium (p=0.043) and niacin (p=0.004) intake. CONCLUSIONS: Women showed poorer HRQoL and higher malnutrition risk. A relationship between HRQoL and risk of malnutrition was observed. Results suggest that when energy and protein, lipid, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium and niacin intake increase, HRQoL is promoted, although the increase does not seem to have a strong direct effect on it. The limited influence of energy and nutrient intake on HRQoL observed requires further research.

Specificity and temporal dynamics of complex bacteria--sponge symbiotic interactions.

Microbes are known to form intricate and intimate relationships with most animal and plant taxa. Microbe--host symbiotic associations are poorly explored in comparison with other species interaction networks. The current paradigm on symbiosis research stems from species-poor systems where pairwise and reciprocally specialized interactions between a single microbe and a single host that coevolve are the norm. These symbioses involving just a few species are fascinating in their own right, but more diverse and complex host-associated microbial communities are increasingly found, with new emerging questions that require new paradigms and approaches. Here we adopt an intermediate complexity approach to study the specificity, phylogenetic community structure, and temporal variability of the subset of the most abundant bacteria associated with different sponge host species with diverse eco-evolutionary characteristics. We do so by using a monthly resolved annual temporal series of host-associated and free-living bacteria. Bacteria are very abundant and diverse within marine sponges, and these symbiotic interactions are hypothesized to have a very ancient origin. We show that host-bacteria reciprocal specialization depends on the temporal scale and level of taxonomic aggregation considered. Sponge hosts with similar eco-evolutionary characteristics (e.g., volume of tissue corresponding to microbes, water filtering rates, and microbial transmission type) have similar bacterial phylogenetic community structure when looking at interactions aggregated over time. In general, sponge hosts hypothesized to form more intricate relationships with bacteria show a remarkably persistent bacterial community over time. Other hosts, however, show a large turnover similar to that observed for free-living bacterioplankton. Our study highlights the importance of exploring temporal variability in host--microbe interaction networks if we aim to determine how specific and persistent these poorly explored but extremely common interactions are.

[Comparative analysis of vitamin D status and solar exposition habits in adolescent and elderly Spanish women. The Five Countries Study (OPTIFORD Project)]. / Análisis comparativo del estado nutricional de vitamina D y de los hábitos de exposición solar de las participantes Españolas (adolescentes y de edad avanzada) del Estudio de los Cinco Países (Proyecto OPTIFORD).

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D deficiency is known to be very common in adolescent girls and elderly women. AIM: To analyze vitamin D status, vitamin D intake and solar exposure of Spanish participants in The Five Countries Study of Optiford Project. METHODS: Questionnaires approved and validated of lifestyle and food consumption frequency applied. The biochemical analysis of 25-hidroxivitamin D and PTH and the evaluation of the solar exposure (dosymeter UV VioSpor) were carried out. RESULTS: The average solar exposure of adolescent girls (1,519 J/m²) was double than elderly women (740 J/m²). The vitamin D status of adolescent girls in summer and winter was better than elderly women. CONCLUSIONS: Solar exposure habits are different between the two age groups. This fact, jointly to the lower body's capacity to synthesize Vitamin D through exposure to the sun in the elderly, may justify the worse vitamin D status in this age group.

Análisis comparativo del estado nutricional de vitamina D y de los hábitos de exposición solar de las participantes españolas (adolescentes y de edad avanzada) del Estudio de los Cinco Países (Proyecto OPTIFORD) / Comparative analysis of vitamin D status and solar exposition habits in adolescent and elderly Spanish women. The five countries study (OPTIFORD Project)

Introducción: Mujeres adolescentes y de edad avanzada son importantes grupos de riesgo de sufrir déficit de vitamina D. Objetivo: Analizar las diferencias en la ingesta y estatus bioquímico de vitamina D, y en los hábitos de exposición solar de las participantes españolas —adolescentes y mujeres de edad avanzada— del Estudio de los Cinco Países(Proyecto Optiford). Métodos: Se aplicaron cuestionarios homologados y validados (estilo de vida, frecuencia de consumo de alimentos, etc), análisis bioquímico de 25-hidroxivitamina Dy PTH, y evaluación de la exposición solar (dosímetro UVVioS por). Resultados: La exposición solar media de las adolescentes (1.519 J/m2) duplicó la de las mayores (740 J/m2). Las adolescentes presentaron un mejor estatus de vitamina D(61,55 nmol/l en verano y 45,81 nmol/l en invierno) que las ancianas (40,32 nmol/l en verano y 30,08 nmol/l en invierno) (p < 0,0001).Conclusiones: Los hábitos de exposición solar difieren significativamente entre adolescentes y mujeres de edad. Este hecho, junto con la menor aptitud para la síntesis cutánea de vitamina D en las segundas, puede justificar el peor estatus en esta vitamina (AU)

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is known to be very common in adolescent girls and elderly women. Aim: To analyze vitamin D status, vitamin D intake and solar exposure of Spanish participants in The Five Countries Study of Optiford Project. Methods: Questionnaires approved and validated of lifestyle and food consumption frequency applied. The biochemical analysis of 25-hidroxivitamin D and PTH and the evaluation of the solar exposure (dosymeter UVVioSpor) were carried out. Results: The average solar exposure of adolescent girls(1,519 J/m2) was double than elderly women (740 J/m2).The vitamin D status of adolescent girls in summer and winter was better than elderly women. Conclusions: Solar exposure habits are different between the two age groups. This fact, jointly to the lowerbody’s capacity to synthesize Vitamin D through exposure to the sun in the elderly, may justify the worse vitamin D status in this age group (AU)

Influencia de la exposición solar y la dieta en el estado nutricional de vitamina D en adolescentes españolas: estudio de los cinco países (Proyecto OPTIFORD) / Influence of sun exposure and diet to the nutritional status of vitamin D in adolescent spanish women: The five countries study (OPTIFORD project)

Introducción: La deficiencia de vitamina D representa un serio problema de salud pública, especialmente entre las mujeres. Por ello se puso en marcha el "Estudio de los Cinco Países", dentro del proyecto europeo OPTIFORD. Este estudio tiene como objeto conocer el estatus de vitamina D en mujeres adolescentes y de edad avanzada de cinco países europeos en función de sus distintos hábitos alimentarios y conductuales. Objetivos: Analizar la contribución relativa de la exposición solar y la dieta al estatus de vitamina D de las 47 adolescentes españolas participantes en el "Estudio delos Cinco Países". Métodos: Cuestionarios homologados y validados (salud, estilo de vida, exposición solar y frecuencia de consumo de alimentos), análisis bioquímico (25 hidroxivitamina D -S-25-OHD- y parathormona) y evaluación de la exposición solar (dosímetro UV). Resultados: Los niveles séricos de S-25-OHD fueron más altos en verano que en invierno (61,55 ± 12,85 nmol/l y 45,81± 9,29 nmol/l, respectivamente). El 45% de la muestra empeoró su estatus vitamínico del verano al invierno (p < 0,0001). En el verano la insuficiencia de vitamina D (S-25-OHD ≤ 50 nmol/l) afectó al 17% de la población mientras aumentando hasta el 63% en invierno. El 66% de la muestra no alcanzó las IR de vitamina D (5 μg/día), siendo la principal fuente dietética de vitamina D el pescado. Conclusiones: Únicamente el 34% de las participantes presentaron un estatus adecuado de vitamina D. Se recomienda una adecuada exposición solar e ingesta dietética de esta vitamina para corregir la situación de deficiencia e insuficiencia (AU)

Introduction: Vitamin D defficiency is a big public health concern, especially among women. For this reason, "The Five Countries Study" was set up whithin the OPTIFORD project. This study aims at knowing the vitamin D status in adolescent and older women in five European countries according to their different dietary and behavioral habits. Objectives: To analyze the relative contribution of sun exposure and the diet to the vitamin D status among 47 Spanish adolescents participating in "The Five Countries Study". Methods: Validated and standardized questionnaires (health, lifestyle, sun exposure, and frequency of food consumption), biochemical analysis (25-hydroxyvitamin D (S-25-OHD) and parathormone), and assessment of sun exposure (UV dosimeter). Results: Serum levels of S-25-OHD were higher durign the summertime than in winter (61.55 ± 12.85 nmol/l and 45.81 ± 9.29 nmol/l, respectively). Fourtyfive percent of the sample had a worsening of their vitamin status in the winter, as compared with the summer (p < 0.0001). During the summer, vitamin D insufficiency (S-25-OHD ≤ 50 nmol/l) affected 17% of the population, going up to 63% in the winter. Sixtysix percent of the sample did not reach the IR of vitamin D (5 g/day), being the fish the main dietary source of vitamin D. Conclusions: Only 34% of the participants had an adequate vitamin D status. Both adequate sun exposure and vitamin D dietary intake are recommended in order to correct defficient and insufficient situations (AU)

[Influence of sun exposure and diet to the nutritional status of vitamin D in adolescent Spanish women: the five countries study (OPTIFORD Project)]. / Influencia de la exposición solar y la dieta en el estado nutricional de vitamina D en adolescentes españolas: estudio de los cinco países (Proyecto OPTIFORD).

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D deficiency is a big public health concern, especially among women. For this reason, "The Five Countries Study" was set up within the OPTIFORD project. This study aims at knowing the vitamin D status in adolescent and older women in five European countries according to their different dietary and behavioral habits. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the relative contribution of sun exposure and the diet to the vitamin D status among 47 Spanish adolescents participating in "The Five Countries Study". METHODS: Validated and standardized questionnaires (health, lifestyle, sun exposure, and frequency of food consumption), biochemical analysis (25-hydroxyvitamin D (S-25-OHD) and parathormone), and assessment of sun exposure (UV dosimeter). RESULTS: Serum levels of S-25-OHD were higher during the summertime than in winter (61.55±12.85 nmol/l and 45.81±9.29 nmol/l, respectively). Forty-five percent of the sample had a worsening of their vitamin status in the winter, as compared with the summer (p<0.0001). During the summer, vitamin D insufficiency (S-25-OHD≤50 nmol/l) affected 17% of the population, going up to 63% in the winter. Sixty-six percent of the sample did not reach the IR of vitamin D (5 g/day), being the fish the main dietary source of vitamin D. CONCLUSIONS: Only 34% of the participants had an adequate vitamin D status. Both adequate sun exposure and vitamin D dietary intake are recommended in order to correct deficient and insufficient situations.

Contribución de la dieta y la exposición solar al estatus nutricional de vitamina D en españolas de edad avanzada; Estudio de los Cinco Países (Proyecto OPTIFORD) / The contribution of diet and sun exposure to the nutritional status of vitamin D in elderly Spanish women; the five countries study (OPTIFORD Project)

La deficiencia de vitamina D representa un serio problema de salud pública, especialmente entre las personas de edad avanzada, aumentando la morbi-mortalidad. Ante la importancia del hecho, en el año 2001 se puso en marcha el "Estudio de los Cinco Países", dentro del proyecto europeo OPTIFORD (Towards a strategy for optimal vitamin D fortification). Este estudio, transversal y observacional, tiene como objeto conocer el estatus de vitamina D en mujeres adolescentes y de edad avanzada de cinco países europeos, entre ellos España, en función de distintos hábitos alimentarios y conductuales. Objetivo: En este trabajo se analiza la contribución relativa de la exposición solar y la dieta, al estatus en vitamina D de las 53 mujeres de edad avanzada españolas (72± 1,6 años), caucasianas y de vida independiente, participantes en el Estudio de los Cinco Países. Metodología: La información fue recogida en verano e invierno utilizando cuestionarios homologados y validados: cuestionario sobre salud y estilo de vida; evaluación de la exposición solar mediante un test estandarizado y la utilización de un dosímetro UV Viospor (sólo en verano); análisis bioquímico de 25 hidroxivitamina D (S-25-OHD) y hormona paratiroidea; y cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo selectivo. Resultados: Se observó una relación directa entre la exposición solar medida con el dosímetro (741 ± 624 J/m2) y el número de horas al aire libre durante la semana de medida (3,4 ± 1,9 horas/día) (p < 0,0001). Los niveles séricos de S-25-OHD fueron más altos en verano que en invierno (40,32 ± 20,39 nmol/l y 30,08 ± 17,39 nmol/l,respectivamente) y el 40% de las participantes empeoró su estado vitamínico del verano al invierno (p < 0,001). En el verano la deficiencia de vitamina D (S-25-OHD ≤ 25 nmol/l) afectó al 28% de la población, duplicándose prácticamente en el invierno. A mayor exposición solar, valorada con el dosímetro, mayor valor de S-25-OHD, habiendo especialmente diferencias entre las participantes del grupo S-25-OHD ≤ 25 nmol/l y S-25-OHD > 50 nmol/l (p = 0,01). También hay asociación directa entre el número de horas al aire libre y S-25-OHD (p = 0,09), habiendo diferencias entre las participantes del grupo S-25-OHD ≤ 25 nmol/l y S-25-OHD > 50 nmol/l. En más del 95% de la muestra, las ingestas dietéticas medias de vitamina D (5,17 ± 4,84 μg/día en verano y 4,70± 4,72 μg/día en invierno), cuya principal fuente fue el pescado, no cubrieron las Ingestas Recomendadas. No se observó relación entre la ingesta dietética y la concentración en sangre de vitamina D. Por el contrario, las participantes que tomaban suplementos de vitamina D presentaron mayores concentraciones de S-25-OHD (verano = 69,64 nmol/l e invierno = 55 nmol/l) que las que no los consumían (verano = 36,83 nmol/l e invierno = 25,82 nmol/l) (pverano = 0,0003 y pinvierno < 0,001). Conclusiones: El estatus deficitario en vitamina D de la población anciana femenina ha de tratar paliarse, siempre que sea factible, con una adecuada exposición solar y con un aumento en la ingesta de esta vitamina a través de la dieta, valorando en cada caso concreto las ventajas de la suplementación farmacológica (AU)

Vitamin D deficiency represents an important public health problem, especially among elderly people, by increasing the morbimortality. Because of the importance of this, in the year 2001 the "Five Countries Study" was put in place, within the European OPTIFORD project (Towards a strategy for optimal vitamin D fortification). This cross-sectional and observational study aims at knowing the vitamin D status in adolescent and elder women from five European countries, including Spain, according to different dietary and behavioral habits. Objective: This work analyzes the relative contribution of sun exposure and diet to the vitamin D status in 53 Caucasian Spanish elder women (72 ± 1.6 years), with an autonomous life, participating at the Five Countries Study. Methodology: The information was gathered in summer and winter time, by using homologated and validated questionnaires: health status and life style questionnaire; assessment of sun exposure by a standardized test and using a Viospor UV dosimeter (only in summer time); biochemical analysis of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (S-25-OHD) and parathyroid hormone; and questionnaire of frequency of selective intake. Results: We observed a direct relationship between sun exposure measured with the dosimeter (741 ± 624 J/m2) and the number of hours outdoors during the measuring week (3.4 ± 1.9 hours/day) (p < 0.0001). The serum levels of S-25-OHD were higher in summer time than during the winter (40.32 ± 20.39 nmol/L and 30.08 ± 17.39 nmol/L, respectively), and 40% of the participants had worse vitamin status in winter as compared with summer time (p < 0.001). During the summer time, vitamin D deficiency (S-25-OHD ≤ 25 nmol/L) affected 28% of the population, being virtually twice as much during the winter time. The higher the sun exposure, as assessed by the dosimeter, the higher the value of S-25-OHD, with clear differences between participants in the S-25-OHD ≤ 25 nmol/L group and those in the S-25-OHD > 50 nmol/L (p = 0.01). There is also a direct association between the number of hours outdoors and S-25-OHD (p = 0.09), with differences between the participants in the S-25-OHD≤ 25 nmol/L group and the S-25-OHD > 50 nmol/L group. In more than 95% of the sample, mean dietary intakes of vitamin D (5.17 ± 4.84 μg/day in summer time and 4.70± 4.72 μg/day in winter time), the main source of which being fish, did not cover the Recommended Allowances. We did not observe a relationship between the dietary intake and blood levels of vitamin D. By contrast, those participants taking vitamin D supplements presented higher S-25-OHD levels (summer = 69.64 nmol/L and winter = 55 nmol/L) than those not consuming it (summer = 36.83 nmol/L and winter = 25.82 nmol/L) (psummer =0.0003 and p winter < 0.001). Conclusions: The deficient status of vitamin D among the elderly female population has to be corrected, whenever possible, with appropriate sun exposure and an increase in vitamin D intake through the diet, assessing at each particular case the benefits of pharmacological supplementation (AU)