Vitamin D, sunlight exposure, and bone density in elderly African American females of low socioeconomic status.

Weaver SP, Passmore C, Collins B, Fung E.

Family medicine · 2010

Abstract

Background and objectives Darker skin pigmentation and aging are known factors influencing the body's ability to synthesize adequate amounts of vitamin D (25OHD). The objective of this study is to determine the 25OHD insufficiency in elderly African American females of low socioeconomic status (SES) in a southern latitude during springtime sun exposure. Methods Patients >or= 70 years old who did not have disorders that might affect vitamin D and calcium absorption/metabolism were enrolled at a community health center. Serum calcium, 25OHD, and intact parathyroid hormone were measured and repeated 6--8 weeks later. Bone mineral density (BMD) scan results were obtained from clinic records. Results Most subjects (86.4%) had inadequate 25OHD levels Conclusions 25OHD insufficiency is common among low SES elderly African American women, and springtime sunlight exposure does not cause significant increases in 25OHD. Additionally, this population has low calcium and vitamin D intake from diet, and more women than expected had reduced BMD.