Effect of multivitamin on vitamin D status and heel ultrasound bone density in Australian aged care residents

PurposeTo determine, in a group of Australian, aged care residents, if a multivitamin [MV, containing 200 IU (5 μg) cholecalciferol] supplementation for 6 months, improves nutritional status and quantitative heel ultrasound.Principal resultsNinety-two subjects [mean (S.D.) age 80.0 years (10.1 years)] completed the 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo (P)-controlled study. At the end of the study, those taking the MV (n = 49) had a mean ± S.E.M. of 33.4 ± 2.6 nmol/l higher serum 25(OH)D concentration vs. P (n = 43, P < .001), where 77% of subjects had levels ≥ 50 nmol/l vs. only 10% (P < .001) taking the P. The MV group also had higher serum folate (+ 13.4 ± 2.8 nmol/l) and vitamin B12 concentrations (163.5 ± 40.3 pmol/l) vs. P (all P < .001). After adjusting for baseline ultrasound values, heel ultrasound increased in the MV group by a mean ± S.E.M. of + 2.7 ± 2.2 dB/MHz vs. a fall in the P group (− 2.5 ± 2.0 dB/MHz, P = .041).ConclusionsIn this nutritionally vulnerable group, multivitamin supplementation improved serum 25(OH)D, vitamin B12 and folate concentrations, which may reduce the risk of micronutrient-related diseases. Multivitamin supplementation appeared to have a positive effect on bone quality which may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.