Healthy lifestyles are associated with better vitamin D status in community‐dwelling older men: The Health In Men Study (HIMS)

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveOlder people are more prone to vitamin D deficiency than younger populations. Individual lifestyle factors have been associated with vitamin D status. We examined the influence of a combination of lifestyle factors on vitamin D status in older men.Participants and MeasurementsIn a population‐based cohort study of older men (age ≥65 years), a lifestyle score was calculated from eight prudent health‐related behaviours (smoking, exercise, alcohol, fish and meat consumption, adding salt, milk choices and obesity) collected via questionnaire at baseline. Blood samples were collected 5 years afterwards to measure plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels. Associations between lifestyles and the likelihood of having plasma 25OHD levels of ≥75 versus <75 nmol/L and ≥50 versus <50 nmol/L were tested using logistic regression models.ResultsOf the 2717 men analysed, mean plasma 25OHD was 69.0 ± 23.5 nmol/L, with 20.7% having plasma 25OHD <50 nmol/L. Men engaging in ≥4 healthy lifestyle behaviours had 20% higher odds of plasma 25OHD ≥75 nmol/L (adjusted OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.01−1.45) compared to those with <4 healthy behaviours. No association was found for 25OHD ≥50 nmol/L. Higher physical activity was the only individual component significantly associated with vitamin D sufficiency (highest vs. lowest quintiles of physical activity, adjusted OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.47−2.74 for 25OHD ≥50 nmol/L, adjusted OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.81−3.06 for 25OHD ≥75 nmol/L).ConclusionMultiple healthy lifestyle behaviours are associated with better vitamin D status in older men. Further work is needed to determine the effects of promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours, including physical activity, on vitamin D sufficiency.