[Vitamin D. A geriatric updated perspective].

The aim of this review is to offer an updated survey about the relationship between old age, vitamin D and different clinical conditions. Two third of people over 65 years has insufficient serum levels of vitamin D (<30 ng/ml). Almost half of them present deficiency (<20 ng/ml), severe in many cases (<15 ng/ml). This proportion increases when we analyze non-white populations, women, and people with obesity, diabetes mellitus or diets poor in Vitamin D. Low serum vitamin D concentration has been linked to mortality, osteoporosis, falls propensity, fractures, frailty, and cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. Several epidemiological studies open the possibility to a relationship between low levels of the vitamin D and many other diseases. Among them with different cancer, diabetes, some types of dementia, Parkinson's disease, macular degeneration or periodontitis. Also with muscle strength, mobility and physical performance. Vitamin D supplementation has beneficial clinical effects, with a significant reduction of risks, specially in subjects living in nursing-homes and in those treated with corticoids or antireabsortive drugs. These effects are doses dependent. Risk of intoxication is minimal, even with high doses of vitamin.