In December 2018 researchers from Taiwan published the results of their study to assess the association of vitamin D and factors of healthy aging in 1,839 middle-aged and older individuals. Information on vitamin D levels and cardiometabolic risk factors was collected on all individuals. Results showed that 51% of individuals had vitamin D insufficiency and 34% vitamin D deficiency. Among the 617 individuals with vitamin D deficiency, 72% were women. A further analysis revealed that the risk factors for vitamin D deficiency were a higher BMI, and high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. A similar trend was seen in individuals with vitamin D insufficiency. The incidence of insulin resistance was also seen to be increased in both the vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency groups whereas the incidence of osteopenia was found only in women with vitamin D deficiency.
Chen CH et al. Associations between vitamin D deficiency, musculoskeletal health, and cardiometabolic risk among community-living people in Taiwan: Age and sex-specific relationship. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018 Dec;97(52):e13886.