Vitamin D and Resistance Exercise in Elderly (NUTRIAGINGVitD)

Vitamin D and Resistance Exercise in Elderly

The aim of this randomized, double-blind, controlled intervention study with parallel groups is to investigate the effect of resistance training (2x/week for 10 weeks) with and without different goals of vitamin D intake on muscle strength, function and mass, oxidative stress parameters and the immune system in community dwelling persons. Participants (n = 100) will be community-dwelling older adults. After a preparticipation screening and a vitamin D blood investigation (vitamin D status below 75 nmol/L) participants will be distributed randomly but stratified by sex, age and initial vitamin D plasma levels to one of the 3 groups (Vitamin D daily + strength training, Vitamin D monthly + strength training, no Vitamin D + strength training).

Study participants are eligible if they are male or female with an age between 65 and 85 years and if their cognitive status as well as their physical fitness level allows to participate at the strength training sessions. Exclusion criteria comprise chronic diseases which contraindicate the training sessions, serious cardiovascular disease, diabetic retinopathy and manifest osteoporosis, a frailty index at or above 3, medication with anticoagulants or cortisone drugs, a regular strength training during the last six months and a vitamin D plasma concentration of 75nmol/L or above.

Primary outcome measure is the change in the handgrip strength. Secondary outcome measures comprise anthropometric data, functional performance tests, immunological and oxidative stress parameters, DNA/Chromosomal damage microbiota, metabolomics and the nutritional status.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Males and females between the age of 65 and 85 years
• Adequate mental condition in order to follow the instructions and to perform the resistance exercise independently (Mini-Mental-State >23)
• Independently mobile

Exclusion Criteria:

• Chronic diseases, which contraindicate a training participation
• Serious cardiovascular diseases (congestive chronic heart failure, severe or symptomatic aortic stenosis, unstable angina pectoris, untreated arterial hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias)
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Manifest osteoporosis
• Regular use of cortisone-containing drugs
• Regular strength training (> 1x / week) in the last 6 months before inclusion
• Vitamin D plasma level of 75 nmol/l or above