Circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D and physical performance in older adults: a nationwide study in Taiwan

BACKGROUND A previous study indicated that 31% of the elderly in Taiwan have a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D adequacy has been associated with physical performance in the elderly. OBJECTIVES The first aim of the current study was to identify the determinants for vitamin D deficiency. The second aim was to evaluate the association between vitamin D status and physical performance. DESIGN A total of 5664 community-dwelling participants aged ≥55 y were recruited since 2008. Plasma total 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were originally determined by ELISA and calibrated to a chemiluminescence measurement. Physical performance was assessed by handgrip strength, the Short Physical Performance Battery, timed up and go, a 6-min walk test, and single-leg stands. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression were used to estimate the cross-sectional associations. RESULTS Vitamin D inadequacy (