Sarcopaenia and vitamin D

Sarcopaenia is the term used to described age-related declines in skeletal muscle mass and function, and has been demonstrated to be associated with an increased risk of mobility limitations, disability and loss of independence, falls and fractures, and mortality (1). Whilst sarcopaenia appears to represent a ubiquitous and continuous process, the associated functional declines may be largely preventable and even reversible through behavioural modifications such as resistance training and adequate nutrition (2). There has recently been a great deal of interest in the physiological actions of vitamin D, a secosteroid hormone produced in the epidermis following ultraviolet B light exposure and also obtained in small amounts from some foods (3). Older adults, particularly those with mobility limitations and those who are institutionalised, may be at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency due to inadequate sun exposure and there is evidence to suggest that this may contribute to sarcopaenia progression (4).