Attention is needed to the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in our older population

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in females residing in one large, aged-care facility in Auckland. Thirty-ni ne residents, most of whom were able to go outdoors without assistance, wer e tested for midwinter 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and, of these, 36 were tested a gain in midsummer. The prevalence of frank hypovitaminosis (<10 mu g/L) was found to be 49% in midwinter and 33% in midsummer. The vitamin D status of such at-risk individuals could be normalised either by 15-30 minutes of da ily sun exposure or, alternatively, a programme of supplementation.