Concomitant lower serum albumin and vitamin D levels are associated with decreased objective physical performance among Japanese community-dwelling elderly

Background: Previous studies have shown that serum albumin or vitamin D is associated with physical performance. We hypothesized that older adults with concomitant lower serum albumin and vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25OHD) levels are associated with decreased physical performance compared to those with 1 or none of the 2 risk factors. Objective: To investigate the association of combined serum albumin and 25OHD levels with physical performance (muscle strength and balance capability) in community-dwelling elderly. Methods: A cross-sectional study in a community-based population in the province of Tokyo, Japan, was performed. For the study, 1,094 community-dwelling people aged 70 and older underwent an interview, anthropometric measurements, blood analysis and physical performance testing. The subjects were classified into 4 types by combining serum albumin and 25OHD levels: lower albumin only, lower vitamin D only, lower albumin and lower vitamin D, higher albumin and higher vitamin D. Results: Men with concomitant lower albumin and lower 25OHD levels had significantly decreased knee extension power, usual timed Up & Go and maximal timed Up & Go, even after adjusting for age and body mass index (BMI). In women, concomitant lower albumin and lower vitamin D was associated with significantly decreased handgrip strength and functional reach, even after adjusting for age and BMI. Subjects with combined lower albumin and lower vitamin D levels showed a significant decline in muscle strength and balance capability compared to higher albumin and higher vitamin D, even after adjusting for age, current drinking or smoking status, physical activity, history of chronic disease, basic activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, BMI and bone mineral density. Conclusion: Concomitant lower serum albumin and lower vitamin D levels are associated with decreased muscle strength and balance capability in both men and women. These results suggest that serum albumin and 25OHD together may be an important target for strategies aiming to achieve a healthy life and prevent loss of independence in community-dwelling elderly. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.