Determining the relationship between nutritional assessment and serum D vitamin with muscle strength and muscle mass in elderly male individuals

This research is conducted with the objective of defining the relationship of nutritional status and serum vitamin D to muscle strength and muscle mass at elderly male individuals. Research was delivered at Private Maltepe Medical Center in August 2014–April 2015 with 75 healthy male applicants at or over 65 years age. Individuals' personal features, life style habits and nutritional habits were examined with a questionnaire. Data on individuals' nutritional status were acquired through food consumption records. In addition, individuals' anthropometric measurements were delivered, body compositions were analyzed, physical activity levels were determined and mini nutritional assessments and biochemical analysis were conducted. Individuals' mean age was 71.8 ± 6.17 years, mean body weight was 77.9 ± 14 kg, mean height was 167.7 ± 6.8 cm and mean BMI was 27.7 ± 4.5 kg/m2. Based on BMI 70.7% of individuals were defined as obese and pre-obese. Based on waist circumference 82.6% of them were deemed as in risk or high risk group. Based on calf circumference 18.7%, whereas based on mid upper arm circumference 40.0% of individuals were found in lower group. 68.0% of individuals were having regular meals and had mean daily energy intake of 2020±218.6 kkal, protein intake of 0.96±0.25 g/kg, fiber intake of 25.5±8.76 g, cholesterol intake of 311.6±156.4 mg, vitamin D intake of 1.57±1.97 µg and calcium intake of 927.2±280.7 mg. Malnutrition risk at the individuals were determined as 4.0%. Individuals' mean level of serum 25(OH)D was 21.9±11.7 ng/mL and in 16.0% of individuals it was found insufficient. Mean hand grip strength of individuals were 32.3 ± 5.1 kg. Significant difference is observed in the distribution of hand grip strengths versus age groups in the comparison based on the comparison Jamar, p=0.000. Significant negative correlation is found between age and hand grip strength based on Jamar criteria (r=-0.338, p=0.003). Statistically meaningful negative correlation is found between height and hand grip strength based on EWGSOP criteria (r=-0.288, p=0.012). Statistically meaningful positive correlation is found between body fat mass and hand grip strength based on EWGSOP criteria (r=0.246, p=0.033). Comparison of distribution of hand grip strength on parathormon levels against Jamar criteria, is considered to be statistically meaningful (p=0.001). Also in the comparison of serum 25(OH)D levels and calf circumference, statistically meaningful difference is observed (p=0.038). In conclusion, findings of this research indicates that muscle strength decreases by age. It is known that along with aging non-fat body mass decreases, where muscle strength is affected by non-fat body mass, nutrition and vitamin D levels. However, further research is required to have a better understanding of the topic.