“Vitamin D, which starts its action in the body in relation to Vitamin D receptors, potentially corrects a frailty syndrome by reducing inflammation, among others by reducing the level of the Interleukin-6 (IL-6) generated by monocytes. Vitamin D is also expected to increase the IGF-1 generated by monocytes, which will improve the overall strength of hand grip and walking speed, a lack of which is the primary indicator of the frailty syndrome,” dr. Tuti said.
The study on pre-frail patients aged > 60 years of age was performed in the dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central General Hospital in 2021. The subjects were divided into two groups: a test group, which was given 4,000 IU cholecalciferol per day, and a control group, which was given placebo. All subjects were given 500 mg calcium lactate per day during the 12-week intervention.
Only 12.7% of the pre-frail elders have normal Vitamin D levels. The rest suffer from Vitamin D insuffciency (33.9%), and defciency (53.4%). All of them have low Vitamin D and calcium consumption.
Study results show that administering 4,000 IU cholecalciferol a day for 12 consecutive weeks increases Vitamin D serum levels. However, this increase in Vitamin D levels is not followed by an increase in the strength of hand grip or of walking speed among the pre-frail elders. The above administration of 4,000 IU cholecalciferol every day for 12 consecutive weeks is also not proven to increase the levels of Vitamin D receptors and IGF-1 monocytes, and does not decrease IL-6 monocyte levels in pre-frail elders. The Study also shows that kidney function affects the effects of cholecalciferol to IGF-1 monocyte. Cholecalciferol increases IGF-1 monocytes in properly functioning kidneys (eGFR > 90), but not in impaired-function kidneys (eGFR 30- 59).
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Finally, dr. Tutie suggests that elders maintain a sufficiency of nutrient ingestion, including protein, Vitamin D and calcium, and maintain a regular age-appropriate physical exercise routine to sustain elders’ muscle mass and performance. This will prevent them from falling into frailty and disability, as well as from suffering further degradation of their quality of life. (est)