Falls in older adults may be prevented with vitamin D
Added 19.10.2009
Meta-analysis: preventing falls with vitamin D3
As you age, preventing falls is important, especially given the fact one in three older adults will suffer a fall at least once a year that may lead to fractures and hospitalisations. The good news is a meta-analysis shows that vitamin D significantly reduces the risk of falls. Double-blind, randomised, controlled trials of vitamin D in elderly populations (average 60 years of age) were analysed and it was found vitamin D reduced the risk of falls by more than 20%.How much vitamin D3 is necessary to prevent falls?
According to the study, at least 700 IU of daily vitamin D is needed. Moreover, the researchers recommended at least 1,000 IU. Taking anything less than 700 IU did not reduce the risk of a fall.How do you keep your muscles and bones strong?
We know that vitamin D is vital for the development and maintenance of healthy bones. It is also needed to keep muscles strong and strong bones and muscles decrease the risk of falls. Because older adults tend to be more housebound, they are at increased risk for vitamin D deficiency. The RDA of vitamin D for older adults in the UK is 400 IU - not nearly enough the required dose to prevent falls, according to the study and many scientists. In fact, many scientists recommend at least 2,000 IU to maintain overall health.References:
National Health Service (NHS) - Clinical Knowledge Summaries (CKS)
Bischoff-Ferrari, H. & all. "Prophylactic use of vitamin D reduces falls in older persons." BMJ. 2004;291: 1999-2006.
Bischoff-Ferrari, H. & all. "Prophylactic use of vitamin D reduces falls in older persons." BMJ. 2004;291: 1999-2006.
Dr. Bo Nielsen's comments:
As a former orthopaedic surgeon I have seen thousands of hip and arm fractures (Colles fractures) in elderly people. Unfortunately, some of these fractures have lowered quality of life or even resulted in premature death. This study and previous studies have proven that by living in the Northern hemisphere we are at risk of being deficient in vitamin D. These researchers recommend you take a daily supplement of at least 1,000 IU of vitamin D or even 2,000 IU a day to lower your risk of falls and fractures. Daily exercise, like brisk walking for 45 minutes a day, quality daily supplements and a healthy diet are all good investments if you want to have a high quality of life.
