Abstract
OBJECTIVE: We estimated the prevalence of vitamin D supplement use and determinants of vitamin D use in community-dwelling adults≥70 year.
METHOD: In April 2013, in multiple cities in the Netherlands we determined the use of vitamin D supplements among 215 community-dwelling older adults. The questionnaire consisted of questions about demographics, knowledge about vitamin D, vitamin D use and reasons for (not) using vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D use is defined as self-reported vitamin D during at least part of the year.
RESULTS: The mean age was 79±6.5 year and 63% was female. Self-reported -vitamin D supplement use was 28% among free-living older adults. Only 11 individuals (5%) used vitamin D as advised by the Dutch Health Council (20 µg per day). Logistic regression analyses indicated that women, adults with a higher education level and adults with multiple vitamin D related disorders/fractures were more prevalent vitamin D users.
CONCLUSION: Despite the advice of the Dutch Health Council, the use of vitamin D supplements among free-living older adults≥70 year is very low. Older adults are not convinced of the benefits of using vitamin D supplements. The general practitioner could play a crucial role in providing information about vitamin D supplementation among older adults.
Translated title of the contribution | Determinants of vitamin D supplement use among community-dwelling older adults |
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Original language | Dutch |
Pages (from-to) | 282-289 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Tijdschrift voor Gerontologie en Geriatrie |
Volume | 46 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2015 |
Keywords
- Age Factors
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Aging
- Attitude to Health
- Dietary Supplements
- Educational Status
- Female
- Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
- Humans
- Male
- Netherlands
- Nutrition Policy
- Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
- Nutritional Requirements
- Sex Factors
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- Vitamin D
- English Abstract
- Journal Article