Reference
Aschauer, R.; Unterberger, S.; Zöhrer, P.A.; Draxler, A.; Franzke, B.; Strasser, E.-M.;Wagner, K.-H.; Wessner, B. Effects of Vitamin D3 Supplementation and Resistance Training on 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Status and Functional Performance of Older Adults: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients 2022, 14, 86. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010086
Synthesis
The study aims to demonstrate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the functional performance of the elderly, undergoing a physical resistance training.
Although there is no clear evidence about the positive role of this supplementation on muscle strength, it is reiterated that physical activity brings a clear benefit to the subjects recruited.
In addition, it is shown that the monthly administration of Vitamin D appears more effective than the daily one in the treatment of hypovitaminosis D.
Background
It’s known aging is related to a loss of muscle mass and neuromotor power.
To prevent these processes, the effectiveness of physical activity aimed at resistance training is proven.
In addition, vitamin D seems to be a valuable tool in combating age-related deterioration, although its precise role in increasing muscle mass and function is still debated.
Characteristics of the study
To investigate the role of Vitamin D on the functional performance of the elderly with hypovitaminosis D, a randomized-controlled double-blind study was conducted.
100 participants, aged between 65 and 85, were recruited, divided into three groups:
– control group (CON)
– group with daily supplementation of 800 IU of Vitamin D (VDD)
– group with monthly supplementation of 50000 IU of Vitamin D (VDM).
The study was divided into two phases:
– the first with vitamin D supplementation or placebo without physical activity
– the second with the addition of an resistance training program.
This program, based on the American College of Sports Medicine and American Heart Association guidelines, consists of 10 weeks of training (2 sessions per week, lasting 60-90 minutes).
Results
Patients were evaluated with specific motor function tests: chair stand test, arm curl test, 6 minutes walking test, gait speed and time up and go test. Moreover, blood dosages of Vitamin D were performed.
Regarding Vitamin D, monthly administration is more effective to reach the recommended blood levels.
In all three groups, tests improved as a result of starting physical activity. However, no improvement has been observed in relation to the different administration of vitamin D in the three groups.
What is new?
Monthly vitamin D supplementation is better to daily supplementation to achieve adequate blood levels.
A clear role in the muscular performance of the elderly remains to be proven.
Perspectives
While it is proven the effectiveness of Vitamin D in several aspects, such as prevention of fractures, falls, cardiovascular risk and immuno- stimulation, its correlation with muscle function is still to be clarified.
Edited by Alessio Baricich
