Vitamin D and the risk of falls in the elderly

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota, reviewed the evidence.

First, the details.

• There were 26 eligible studies of moderate quality that enrolled 45,782 participants, the majority of which were elderly and female.

And, the results.

• Vitamin D use was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of falls.
• This effect was more prominent in patients who were vitamin D deficient at the start and in studies in which calcium was taken with vitamin D.

The bottom line?

The authors concluded that in older women, “Vitamin D combined with calcium reduces the risk of falls.” However, “The reduction in studies without calcium coadministration did not reach statistical significance.”

Taking vitamin D should be part of a comprehensive program to lower the risk of falls.

11/1/11 20:12 JR