Nursing home residents have severe vitamin D deficiency and increased risk of falls and fractures. These individuals may need 125 μg of vitamin D3 to achieve desirable 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations to improve overall health. We evaluated health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in 45 nursing home residents (28 women and 17 men, aged 58-89 years) with 25(OH)D concentrations50 nM who consumed daily one bun that had been fortified with 125 μg vitamin D3. The Romanian version of Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis (QUALEFFO-41) was applied at baseline and after 12 months. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVA). After one year supplementation, serum 25(OH)D reached optimal status (75 nM) and bone health has improved significantly. Nursing home residents who consumed daily bread fortified with 125 μg vitamin D3 reported significant (P=.02 for the effect of time) improvement in HRQoL (total score of QUALEFFO-41). The interaction time x treatment was also statistically significant on pain (P=.04), daily activities (P=.02), and locomotion (P=.04). To ensure the serum concentrations of 25(OH)D recommended by medical groups for bone- and general-health in the older nursing residents, the practical experience shows that much higher amounts of vitamin D3 are required. Fortification of bread and cereals is a feasible way to improve vitamin D nutrition.
