Serum folate predicts muscle strength: a pilot cross-sectional study of the association between serum vitamin levels and muscle strength and gait measures in patients >65 years old with diabetes mellitus in a primary care setting

The prevalence of vitamin deficiency was very high in our sample of patients >65 years old with diabetes mellitus. Folate levels were significantly correlated with grip and leg strength (with correction for BMI). Leg strength was positively correlated with gait measures and negatively correlated with a history of falls. The role of folate in muscle weakness and falls warrants further study.