A.M.M. Vaes, M. Tieland, N. Toussaint, R. Nilwik, L.B. Verdijk, L.J.C. van Loon, L.C.P.G.M. de Groot
J Nutr. 2018;148(5):712-720
Vitamin D supplementation is proposed as a potential treatment strategy to counteract functional decline in older adults. However, data from randomized trials are either limited or inconsistent.
This study investigated the effect of daily supplementation with 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25(OH)D3] or cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) on muscle strength and physical performance in older adults.
This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 6 mo including 78 prefrail or frail (according to the Fried criteria), community-dwelling older adults (n = 43 men) aged ≥65 y, with a baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration between 20 and 50 nmol/L.Participants were supplemented daily with 10 µg 25(OH)D3, 20 µg vitamin D3, or a placebo capsule. Serum 25(OH)D was measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The primary outcome was maximal isometric knee-extension strength (Biodex System 4); secondary outcomes included knee-flexion and hand grip strength, Short-Physical Performance Battery score, Timed Up and Go score, postural sway, muscle mass (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), and muscle fiber type and size.
Comment: Increasing the serum 25(OH)D concentration over a period of 6 mo did not significantly change muscle strength and physical performance in prefrail and frail older adults.