Which of the following is listed as a contributor to frailty?

• A. Inflammation
• B. Calcium deficiency
• C. Vitamin C excess
• D. Frequent exercise

Answer: (A)

Chronic, low-grade inflammation is a key driver of frailty. In older adults, persistent inflammatory signaling (such as cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α, and elevated CRP) promotes muscle protein breakdown and accelerates sarcopenia, which weakens grip strength and walking speed. It also suppresses appetite and contributes to fatigue, all of which reduce physical function and resilience to stressors. This combination helps explain why inflammation is listed as a contributor to frailty.

Calcium deficiency primarily affects bone health and osteoporosis, not the broader syndrome of frailty itself. Vitamin C excess isn’t recognized as a cause of frailty, and frequent exercise actually protects against frailty by preserving muscle mass and function, not contributing to it.