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Hypovitaminosis D and hyperparathyroidism in physically inactive elderly Japanese living in nursing homes: Relationship with age, sunlight exposure and activities of daily living

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Abstract

Background and aims: The purposes of this study were to investigate the prevalences of hypovitaminosis D and hyperparathyroidism in physically inactive elderly people living in Japanese nursing homes and determine any correlations with demographic, environmental and/or lifestyle factors. Methods: We targeted 220 elderly people living in nursing homes for the physically disabled in Japan. Of these, 133 (women, 113; men, 20) subjects who agreed and met our inclusion criteria were studied. The average age of the subjects was 84.6 years (SD 8.2). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25[OH]D3), intact parathyroid hormone (intact PTH), creatinine, and albumin concentrations were measured in each subject. Total hours of sunshine during the previous 5 weeks, activities of daily living (ADL) levels, and dietary vitamin D intake were also measured. ADL levels were evaluated using the Physical Self-Maintenance Scale (5-point scale). The examinations were performed between October and December, 1999. Results: The average concentrations of serum 25(OH)D3 and intact PTH were 29.9 nmol/L (SD 13.1) and 5.04 pmol/L (SD 2.27), respectively. The prevalences of hypovitaminosis D (25[OH]D3<30 nmol/L) and hyperparathyroidism (intact PTH>6.90 pmol/L) were 77/133 (57.9%) and 21/133 (15.8%), respectively. Serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations were positively associated with hours of sunshine (R2=0.371, p<0.001) and serum albumin concentrations (R2=0.086, p<0.001), but not with age (p=0.075) or total ADL score (p=0.527). A negative association between serum intact PTH and 25(OH)D3 levels was found in subjects who were 80 years or older (p<0.001) but not in subjects under the age of 80 years. Conclusions: Hypovitaminosis D and hyperparathyroidism are commonly seen in elderly Japanese with low ADL levels. Hypovitaminosis D seems to adversely affect PTH levels, especially in the very elderly.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Community Preventive Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Niigata City, 951-8510, Japan

    M. Nashimoto, K. Nakamura M.D., M.P.H. & M. Yamamoto

  2. Atagonosono Nursing Home, Niigata

    S. Matsuyama

  3. Sakaiwa Clinic, Niigata, Japan

    M. Hatakeyama

Authors
  1. M. Nashimoto
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  2. K. Nakamura M.D., M.P.H.
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  3. S. Matsuyama
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  4. M. Hatakeyama
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  5. M. Yamamoto
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Correspondence to K. Nakamura M.D., M.P.H..

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Nashimoto, M., Nakamura, K., Matsuyama, S. et al. Hypovitaminosis D and hyperparathyroidism in physically inactive elderly Japanese living in nursing homes: Relationship with age, sunlight exposure and activities of daily living. Aging Clin Exp Res 14, 5–12 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03324411

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