Association between Vitamin D nutrition status and physical functions in latter stage elderly at nursing home.

Vitamin D nutritional status was assessed in very elderly people living in a nursing home to determine its association with nutritional status, and a supplement intervention was provided to those with vitamin D deficiency. In 36 (3 male and 33 female) nursing homes residents aged 91 (IQR 85-94) years, their serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were 17.3 (IQR 12.9-23.4) ng / ml distributing 8.3% (3/36) of <10 ng / ml, 47.2% (17 / 36) of 10-<20 ng / ml and 44.4% (16/36) of 20-<30 ng / ml, respectively. Serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly associated with parathyroid hormone (PTH) level, Barthel Index, diaper wearing rate, nursing care level and swallowing function, but not with nutritional intake. By daily 1000 IU vitamin D supplementation for 6 months in 7 residents (male 2 / female 5), serum 25(OH)D levels increased from 14.1 (13.0-21.8) ng / ml to 35.9 (34.0-47.1) ng / ml but physical functions did not improve. These data suggest that other factors such as insufficient protein and energy intake, chronic comorbidities and limited physical activity in addition of vitamin D status might be involved in the manifestations of nursing homes residents. J. Med. Invest. 73 : 21-25, February, 2026.