Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency Increases Lower Limb Muscle Strength in Institutionalized Older People Independently of Regular Physical Activity: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial

Vol. 54, No. 4, 2009

Free Abstract Article (References) Article (PDF 229 KB)

Original Paper

Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency Increases Lower Limb Muscle Strength in Institutionalized Older People Independently of Regular Physical Activity: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial
Linda D.F. Moreira-Pfrimer^a, Márcia A.C. Pedrosa^a, Luzimar Teixeira^b, Marise Lazaretti-Castro^a

^aDivision of Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo/UNIFESP, and
^bSchool of Physical Education and Sports/USP, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

Address of Corresponding Author

Ann Nutr Metab 2009;54:291-300 (DOI: 10.1159/000235874)

Key Words

Cholecalciferol
25-Hydroxyvitamin D
Institutionalized elderly
Muscle strength
Vitamin D

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the effects of a 6-month supplementation with calcium and cholecalciferol on biochemical parameters and muscle strength of institutionalized elderly. Methods: This prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial included Brazilian institutionalized people 60 years of age receiving a 6-month supplementation (December to May) of daily calcium plus monthly placebo (calcium/placebo group) or daily calcium plus oral cholecalciferol (150,000 IU once a month during the first 2 months, followed by 90,000 IU once a month for the last 4 months; calcium/vitamin D group). Fasting blood samples for 25(OH)D, PTH and calcium determination were collected (n = 56) and muscle tests were performed (n = 46) to measure the strength of hip flexors (SHF) and knee extensors (SKE) before (baseline) and after the 6-month intervention (6 months). Results: Due to seasonal variations, serum 25(OH)D significantly enhanced in both groups after treatment, but the calcium/vitamin D group had significantly higher 25 (OH)D levels than the calcium/placebo group (84 vs. 33%, respectively; p < 0.0001). No cases of hypercalcemia were observed. While the calcium/placebo group showed no improvement in SHF and SKE at 6 months (p = 0.93 and p = 0.61, respectively), SHF was increased in the calcium/vitamin D group by 16.4% (p = 0.0001) and SKE by 24.6% (p = 0.0007). Conclusions: The suggested cholecalciferol supplementation was safe and efficient in enhancing 25(OH)D levels and lower limb muscle strength in the elderly, in the absence of any regular physical exercise practice.

Author Contacts

Linda Denise Fernandes Moreira-Pfrimer
Rua Borges Lagoa, 800, Vila Clementino
São Paulo, SP 04038-001 (Brazil)
Tel. +55 11 9497 53 16
E-Mail lindapfrimer@hotmail.com

Article Information

Received: September 9, 2008
Accepted after revision: May 29, 2009
Published online: August 31, 2009
Number of Print Pages : 10
Number of Figures : 6, Number of Tables : 2, Number of References : 52

Medline Abstract (ID 19729890)

Download Citation

This journal is part of the third subject package of the Karger

Journal Archive Collection

Information on packages (PDF)
Free sample issues

For non-native English speakers and international authors who would like assistance with their writing before submission, we suggest American Journal Experts for their scientific editing service.