The researchers analyzed data from 3,205 non-dynapanic individuals aged 50 and over who were followed for four years by the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA), a long-term multi-cohort study that began in 2002. took place and has been going on for more than 15 years. follow up.
Vitamin D is known to participate in various functions of the organism. It is a hormone and its many roles include helping with muscle repair and the release of calcium for muscle contraction kinetics. So it was expected to be some kind of muscle change. This is exactly what was proved in this study.
Vitamin D key to muscle strength in older adults
Bone and muscle tissue are related not only mechanically and physiologically, but also biochemically. Endocrine disorders such as vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency can lead to loss of bone mineral density as well as loss of muscle mass, strength and function.
The study sample consisted of individuals aged 50 years and older without dyspnoea. Grip strength (considered a good representative for overall muscle strength) was 26 kg or more for men and 16 kg or more for women.
The main finding was that individuals with vitamin D deficiency, defined as less than 30 nanomoles per liter in the blood, were 70% more likely to develop diapenia by the end of the four-year study period than those with normal levels of vitamin D. There was a risk. , defined as greater than 50 nmol/L.
While this is an important finding, the researchers were aware that there are many worldwide cases of people with osteoporosis who take vitamin supplements, so they needed to try to measure the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation.
When individuals with osteoporosis and those taking vitamin D were excluded from the analysis, they found that the risk of developing muscle weakness by the end of four years was 78% greater than in subjects who were vitamin D deficient at the start of the study. 77% higher for those with normal vitamin D levels and 77% higher for those with vitamin D deficiency.
The results proved that the risk of muscle weakness is increased by both vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency and it is also important to take vitamin D if you have a deficiency or insufficiency.
Our body synthesizes vitamin D only when large areas of skin are exposed to sunlight. Therefore, it is necessary to explain to people that they risk losing muscle strength if they do not get enough vitamin D. They need to expose themselves to the sun, eat foods rich in vitamin D or take supplements, and do resistance training exercises. ,
Source: Eurekalert
