Clinical and functional characteristics and comorbidity in postmenopausal patients taking low doses of cholecalciferol

Abstract

Introduction. Vitamin D supplementation has been globally reported to be of paramount importance in treating and preventing a wide range of comorbid diseases in postmenopausal women but population-based screening for 25(OH)D levels is not currently part of recommendations.The aim of the studywas to assess the low doses cholecalciferol supplementation impact on the 25 (OH) D status, clinical and functional status and comorbidity in late postmenopausal residents of Ekaterinburg.Material and methods. During the period from October 2018 to March 2020, 145 independently living postmenopausal residents of Ekaterinburg were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Two groups were identified: 32 persons of Group 1 reported taking 400-2000 IU per day cholecalciferol during at least 6 months (n = 32) before enrollement and 113 women of Group 2 reported no previous cholecalciferol supplementation. Serum 25(OH)VitD level was assessed by the ECLIA method. Known comorbid conditions were registered. Modified menopausal index (MMI), HADS anxiety and depression scales, short form for quality of life evaluation (SF36), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), hand dynamometry, 6-minute walk test, standing up test and tandem test were performed.Results. Supplementation of 400 to 2000 IU of cholecalciferol during at least 6 months was associated with significantly higher serum 25(OH)D level (p <0.00001, Mann-Whitney test), but in 46.7% of cases (p <0.001; χ2= 31.49). Carbohydrate metabolism disorders were significantly less frequent in Group 1 (p = 0.038, χ2= 6.548). In this setting, there were no associations of cholecalciferol supplementation with cognitive function, the severity of menopausal disorders, anxiety and depression, and the quality of life in late postmenopausal patients.Discussion. In general, the results obtained are consistent with the data of previous studies in postmenopausal women, but cannot be extrapolated to the general population.Conclusion. 400 to 2000 IU per day cholecalciferol supplementation for 6 months did not ensure adequate serum vitamin D level in 46.7% late postmenopausal women but was associated with significantly higher serum vitamin D level than in a comparison group.