Vitamin D's Effect on Physical Performance in the Elderly

The purpose of this study is to compare vitamin D deficient and vitamin D sufficient elderly individuals and examine the effect of a vitamin D dietary supplement on serum vitamin D level, bone formation, resorption, and mineral density, flexibility, balance, general inflammation,and quality of life. Enhancing nutritional status is necessary to prevent the continued proliferation of chronic diseases, e.g., bone disease and other chronic disorders thought to now be related to low levels of vitamin D, which are some of the leading disablers and killers of Americans. Americans also have difficulties with compliance to prescription medications due to their toxicity and side effects. This study aims to learn more about how a vitamin D nutritional supplement may improve nutritional status and enable the body to normalize system functioning,which may improve the quality of life for people with vitamin D deficiency. The results of this research will be used to determine if vitamin D is beneficial for overall health among elderly individuals.