Improvement of vitamin D status in Japanese institutionalized elderly by supplementation with 800 IU of vitamin D(3).

To study the adequate intake (AI) for vitamin D in the elderly, we have performed an intervention study with 800 IU/d of vitamin D(3) in the institutionalized elderly. Sixty-two institutionalized elderly were randomly assigned to two groups; receiving either supplements of 200 mg calcium plus 800 IU vitamin D(3)/d (Ca+VD group), or supplements of 200 mg calcium/d (Ca group) for 30 d in October. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OH-D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and bone turnover markers were measured before and after intervention.

Effect of vitamin D supplementation in the institutionalized elderly.

An intervention study with vitamin D supplementation was conducted in order to study the amount of vitamin D required in the elderly. Sixty-four institutionalized elderly were randomly assigned to two groups: group (A) to take a beverage containing 200 mg calcium daily, and group (B) to take a beverage containing 200 mg calcium and 5 microg vitamin D daily for 30 days. Prior to the study, the subjects' average vitamin D intake was 7.