Elderly 3X more likely to have 30 ng of vitamin D if frequently eat fatty fish, eggs – Aug 2013

Proposal and validation of a quick question to rate the influence of diet in geriatric epidemiological studies on vitamin d.

Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2013;83(4):254-8. doi: 10.1024/0300-9831/a000163.
Gaëlle Chevallereau1, Xavier Gleyses2, Laurène Roussel3, Sarah Hamdan4, Olivier Beauchet5, Cédric Annweiler6
1Medical School, University of Angers, UNAM, Angers, France;
2Medical School, University of Angers, UNAM, Angers, France;
3Medical School, University of Angers, UNAM, Angers, France;
4Medical School, University of Angers, UNAM, Angers, France;
5Department of Neuroscience, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Angers University Hospital; Angers University Memory Clinic; UPRES EA 4638, University of Angers, UNAM, Angers, France;
6Department of Neuroscience, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Angers University Hospital; Angers University Memory Clinic; UPRES EA 4638, University of Angers, UNAM, Angers, France;, and Robarts Research Institute, Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada Author information

BACKGROUND:
Diet is a major exogenous source of vitamin D. The objective of this analysis was to determine whether the yes/no answer to a simple question exploring diet
("Do you eat fatty fish at least once a week and/or eggs several times per week?")
could be associated with serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D status among 261 older in- and outpatients (mean ± standard deviation, 83.5 ± 8.1 years).
METHODS:
Two groups were distinguished based on the binary yes/no answer. Hypovitaminosis D was defined as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D ≤ 75 nmol/L.
RESULTS:
More participants with hypovitaminosis D answered "No" to the question on diet compared to their counterparts (p = 0.002). Answering "No" was associated with hypovitaminosis D (OR = 3.22, p = 0.001) after adjustment for potential confounders, with a positive predictive value = 79 %.
CONCLUSION:
A simple dietary question may identify older patients with hypovitaminosis D who should receive vitamin D supplements.

PMID: 25008016

---

Publisher wants $28 for the PDF

See also VitaminDWiki

• Search VitaminDWiki for "fatty fish" 215 hits as of Aug 2014
• Farmed fish not have enough vitamin D to increase levels – RCT Feb 2014 FARMED fatty fish do not have nearly as much vitamin D
• Food Sources and Vitamin D category listing with associated searches
• Vitamin D content of over 400 types of food
• 10 reasons why seniors need more vitamin D has the following

1. Senior skin produces 3X less Vitamin D for the same sun intensity
2. Seniors have fewer vitamin D receptors as they age
3. Seniors are indoors more than than when they were younger
   • not as agile, weaker muscles; frail, no longer enjoy hot temperatures
   • (if outside, stay in the shade), however, seniors might start outdoor activities like gardening, biking, etc.
4. Seniors wear more clothing outdoors than when younger
   • Seniors also are told to fear skin cancer/wrinkles
5. Seniors often take various drugs which reduce vitamin D
   • Some reductions would not show up on vitamin D test
   • statins, chemotherapy, anti-depressants, blood pressure, beta-blockers, etc
6. Seniors often have one or more diseases which consume vitamin D
   • osteoporosis, diabetes, MS, ...
7. Seniors generally put on weight at they age - and a heavier body requires more vitamin D
8. Seniors often (40%) have fatty livers – which do not process vitamin D as well
9. Reduced stomach acid ==>less Magnesium needed to utilize vitamin D
   (would not show up on vitamin D test)
10. Seniors with poorly functioning kidneys do not process vitamin D as well
    (would not show up on vitamin D test) 2009 full text online  Also PDF 2009
11. Vitamin D is not as bioavailable in senior digestive systems (Stomach acid or intestines?)

• Category Seniors and Vitamin D 393 items