Healthy Living
Researchers
Recommend People
Over 65 Should Take
High Dose Vitamin D 
To Prevent Falls and
Fractures
A daily supplement of Vitamin
D at
A dose of 700-1000 IU reduces the
risk of falling among older people by 19% according to a study published
on the British Medical Journal
website. However, a dose of less
than 700 IU per day has no effect.
Each year, one in three people aged 65 and older experience at
least one fall, with nearly 6% resulting in a fracture. Fall prevention
has therefore become a public health goal especially as the older
segment of the population grows. Several trials have shown that
Vitamin D improves balance and strength among older people,
while others have found no significant effect on the risk of falling.
An international team of researchers analyzed the results of eight
fall prevention trials to assess the effectiveness of Vitamin D in
preventing falls among older individuals (aged 65 or more).
Differences in study design and quality were taken into account
to minimise bias.The pooled results showed important benefits
from supplemental Vitamin D on fall prevention depended on
treatment dose.
Supplemental Vitamin D of 700 IU - 1,000 IU per day (Vitamin D2
or Vitamin D3) reduced falls by 19% and up to 26%.
IU is an international unit of measurement for fat-soluble vitamins
and other biologically active substances. This effect was
independent of age, type of dwelling or additional calcium
supplementation. The effect was significant within two to five
months of starting treatment and extended beyond 12 months.
It's important to note supplemental Vitamin D did not reduce falls
at a dose of less than 700 IU per day.
The use of active forms of Vitamin D did not appear to be more
effective than 700-1000 IU supplemental Vitamin D.
.
To reduce the risk of falling, a daily intake of at least 700-1000 IU
supplemental vitamin D is warranted in all individuals aged 65
and older, say the authors.
Higher doses may be even more effective and should be explored
in future research to optimize the fall prevention benefit with
Vitamin D, they conclude.
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