Older adults with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to have impaired skeletal muscle strength and function compared with those with sufficient vitamin D levels, a study suggests.

Researchers from Trinity College in Dublin have also found that moderate physical activity plays an important protective role against poor physical performance.

Drawing upon data from more than 4100 adults (mean age 70) from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, researchers analysed handgrip strength and short physical performance battery scores to determine the association between impaired muscle function and vitamin D deficiency.

Overall, 54% had insufficient serum vitamin D concentrations (under 50nmol/L), and 22% were found to be deficient (under 30nmol/L).