Vitamin D insufficiency and frailty syndrome in older adults living in a Northern Taiwan community

This study explored the association between vitamin D insufficiency and frailty syndrome defined by the Fried Frailty Index (FFI) and the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) in a northern Taiwan community. Data of 215 subjects participating in an integrated interventional trial involving community-dwelling older adults with a high frailty risk were analyzed. Subjects were first screened by telephone interview and then evaluated at a local hospital with questionnaires, physical performance tests, and serum 25(OH) D measurements. Of the 215 participants, 31% had 25(OH) D insufficiency (<20 ng/ml). Frail subjects based on the FFI were older, had lower Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE) scores, Barthel Index (BI) scores, and 25(OH) D levels. Using the EFS, frailer cases were more likely to be female, have less education, higher comorbid conditions, lower MMSE scores, lower Barthel Index scores, and lower 25(OH) D levels. The associations between insufficient 25(OH) D status and both frailty scales were significant. After adjustment of variables, the odds ratio of 25(OH) D insufficiency was 10.74 (95% CI 2.60-44.31) for frail versus robust individuals. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency was high in this population. There was a strong association between vitamin D insufficiency and the FFI. Vitamin D measurements and supplements are suggested for high-risk older people. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.