Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms modify the association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with handgrip strength in the elderly in Northern China

•This study analyzed the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) level and muscle mass and function, and investigated whether this relationship was modified by vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms.•With serum 25(OH)D levels <10.0 ng/mL, the risk of low handgrip strength was 3.04 times higher than that with serum 25(OH)D levels >20.0 ng/mL.•T allele of Fok1 and bb genotype of Bsm1 were significantly associated with more handgrip strength and a significant interaction exists between 25(OH)D and vitamin D receptor genotypes.