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