Introduction:

Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with muscle mass loss and cognitive function alteration.

Objective:

To find out the relationship of vitamin D blood levels with muscle mass and cognitive function in postmenopausal women.

Materials and methods:

Ninety-nine postmenopausal women aged ≥ 50 years were studied. Calf circumference, and tricipital, bicipital, subscapular and suprailiac skinfolds were measured. Arm muscle area, bone-free arm muscle area, and total muscle mass were calculated. The short physical performance battery (SPPB) was performed, and the sarcopenia rapid diagnostic questionnaire (SARC-F), as well as the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) were applied. A blood sample was taken to measure vitamin D blood concentration. For statistical analysis, Mann-Whitney's U-test and Spearman's correlation analysis were used.

Results:

It was found that, the older the age, the higher the vitamin D levels, as well as higher SARC-F score. Vitamin D levels were negatively correlated with grip strength SPP and the MMSE total score. There was a negative correlation between vitamin D levels and MMSE global score.

Conclusions:

Vitamin D did not have a positive influence on muscle mass. A better MMSE performance was observed in those with lower vitamin D levels.