Vitamin D deficiency and muscle–fat balance in older palliative care patients

What is it about?

This study explored the relationship between vitamin D levels and body composition in older adults receiving palliative care. Muscle thickness, subcutaneous fat thickness, and muscle–fat ratio were assessed using bedside ultrasound measurements of the rectus femoris and biceps brachii muscles. The study examined how vitamin D deficiency was associated with muscle, fat tissue, and functional status in this vulnerable population.

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Why is it important?

Vitamin D deficiency is common in older adults, but its relationship with muscle and fat tissue in palliative care patients is not well understood. This study highlights that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with changes in muscle–fat balance driven mainly by fat loss, which could be misleading when interpreting muscle preservation. These findings underline the need for cautious interpretation and further prospective studies in this population.

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