Prevalence of Vitamin D Insufficiency in Older Adults Attending a Community Specialist Team for Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment

Abstract Background Vitamin D is well known for its role in calcium metabolism and bone health, it also plays an essential role in cell proliferation and differentiation, immune system, muscle function and as a potential modifiable risk factor in frailty. The main source of Vitamin D is through its production by the skin following sun exposure but it can also be found in a select amount of foods.Vitamin D insufficiency (30-50 nmol/l) and deficiency (<30 nmol/l) is common in older adults, 29.4% and 13.1% respectively, this is due to lower dermal synthesis, reduced kidney function, decreased exposure to sunshine, changes in appetite and dietary intake. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Vitamin D insufficiency in older adults referred to a community specialist team (CST) for Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). Methods A retrospective evaluation was undertaken over a 7-month period of all patients ≥65 years who attended a CST for CGA. Identification of Vitamin D insufficiency (<50 nmol/L) was undertaken as part of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Results In total, 96 people attended for CGA (37 male, 59 female), mean age was 80 years (SD=7) and the median Clinical Frailty Scale score was 5 (mildly frail). The percentage of people who had their Vitamin D measured was 98% (n =94). Vitamin D insufficiency was identified in 37.2% (n=35), 40.5% in males (n=15) and 33.9% in females (n=20). Conclusion The Irish Department of Health recommends that adults aged 65 and older take a vitamin D supplement of 15 micrograms daily, however there is still a significant number of older persons attending CST for CGA who have insufficient vitamin D levels. Review and supplementation of Vitamin D is an essential part of the CGA process.