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Vitamin D may help elderly avoid falls

Category: Vitamin D Deficiency-Diagnosis and Treatment

Vitamin D testing may benefit many older adults, as a new study has found that higher levels of the nutrient are associated with a lower risk of falls in this age group.

Poor diet and lack of outdoor activity often combine to produce low levels in older individuals. The condition has also been linked to frailty. Now, a team of Drexel University researchers has found that low vitamin D levels may also increase the risk of falls that may cause broken bones.

For the study, researchers examined the findings of 18 previous studies involving elderly mobility issues and vitamin D. They found participants who got the most exercise and had the highest levels of the nutrient were less likely to fall.

“Our evidence review shows that exercise and vitamin D supplementation are the most effective primary care interventions to prevent falls,” said lead investigator Yvonne L. Michael. “This is important news because falls are extremely common in this population and they are the leading cause of death and injury for the elderly.”