Vitamin D Supplementation Linked to Decreased Risk for Falls
Posted by BMJ article (Free)
Journal Watch General Medicine summary of 2005 study showing that vitamin D supplementation reduces risk for falls (Your Journal Watch registration required)
High doses of supplemental vitamin D may lower the risk for falls in older adults, reports a BMJ meta-analysis.Researchers examined data from eight randomized controlled trials of supplemental vitamin D (vitamin D2 or D3) in roughly 2400 adults aged 65 or older. Among the findings:
Supplemental vitamin D at 700 to 1000 IU/day (but not lower doses) was associated with a significant, 19% reduction in falls relative to no supplementation.
- Serum vitamin D concentrations of 60 nmol/L or higher were associated with a 23% drop in falls (lower concentrations showed no significant association).
Researchers also looked at two trials of some 600 older adults and active vitamin D, a metabolite that may be more readily available for people with diminished kidney function. The reduction in falls was similar to that seen with supplemental vitamin D. However, patients taking the active form were more likely to experience hypercalcemia than controls.
As a potential underlying mechanism, the authors note that vitamin D has direct effects on muscle strength.
