Vitamin D reduces the risk of falls in nursing home residents

The Facts:
* The risk of falls in elderly nursing home residents may be reduced by adequate vitamin D supplementation.
* 124 nursing home residents (average age 89 years) were randomised to receive 1 of 4 vitamin D supplement doses (200, 400, 600 or 800IU per day) or placebo for 5 months.
* The number and incident rate of falls was lower in patients taking vitamin D 800IU than in those taking lower doses or placebo over the 5-month period.


Shaun’s comment: Vitamin D intake is the subject of a great deal of research at the moment, one reason being that reduced levels are common in people with limited exposure to sunlight. This can have several adverse effects, particularly with respect to bone health. Falls in nursing home residents are common and often result in bone fractures, particularly of the hip. I am a little skeptical about the results from this study, because although there was a reduction in falls in those taking a dose of 800IU, when compared to placebo, those taking 200, 400 or 600IU had more falls than those taking placebo. Bigger and better studies are needed.


Study reference:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2007.01048.x