The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and relationship with fracture risk in older women presenting in Australian general practice. (25th July 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Robinson, Penelope J; Bell, Robin J; Lanzafame, Alfred; Kirby, Catherine; Weekes, Andrew; Piterman, Leon; Davis, Susan R
• Is Part Of: Australasian journal on ageing. Volume 32:Number 3(2013:Sep.)
• Page Start: 177
• Page End: 183
• Publication Date: 2011-07-25
• Subjects: fracture prevention -- older people -- osteoporosis -- vitamin D; Older people -- Periodicals; Older people -- Australia -- Periodicals; Old age -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2011.00553.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1440-6381

Abstract

Abstract : Aim: To investigate vitamin D status among older women and to explore relationships between vitamin D and fracture risk and vertebral fractures. Methods: A total of 267 general practitioners recruited 2466 women aged >70 years with no known osteoporosis or fragility fracture. Serum 25‐hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D), bone mineral density by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) and vertebral fracture on thoracolumbar X‐ray were determined. Results: A total of 2368 women, median age 76 years, provided data and of these 13% were on vitamin D supplements. 25(OH)D levels were available for 907 (44.1%) of those not taking vitamin D. 88.3% of these had a level below 75 nmol/L. Serum 25(OH)D was negatively associated with age (P = 0.003) and body mass index (P < 0.001), and positively associated with lower latitude, femoral neck DXA T‐score (P = 0.044) and being Caucasian (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The vitamin D status of community‐dwelling older Australian women is inadequate, yet the use of supplements is low.