Vitamin D and Fall Risk in Seniors

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Vitamin D and Fall Risk

Along with the majority of people in the north during the winter months, many seniors in retirement centers are also vitamin D deficient. Many older individuals experience a loss of muscle mass and muscle strength that is directly related to loss of bone. Elderly with low intake of vitamin D may have decreased renal production of calcitrol and may be more at risk for falls due to resulting proximal myopathy.
Some studies have suggested that supplemental vitamin D may decrease seniors’ fall risk. This may be due to the decreased psychomotor functioning and increased sway that occurs with vitamin D deficiency that increases fall risk.
            Such studies that have proven that vitamin D supplements are beneficial for improving fall risk include meta-analysis was conducted by Bischoff-Ferrari, Dawson-Hughes, and Staehelin et al. This study reviewed eight randomized control trials of supplemental vitamin D. This review found that vitamin D in a dose of 700-1000 IU per day reduced the risk of falls in older individuals by 19%. Doses less than 700 IU did not reduce the risk of falls.
However, a recent meta-analysis has suggested the opposite.  This study was a meta-analysis of 20 studies that looked at the connection between supplemental vitamin D and fall risk. This review showed that supplemental vitamin D did not improve seniors’ fall risk more than 15 percent so the effect of vitamin D supplementation was not seen as significant.
Even though the effects of vitamin D supplementation on fall risk in the elderly is still unclear, it is important to look at the importance of vitamin D in the diet. Supplementation has been shown to improve muscle function, walking distance, and functional ability. Whether or not these effects directly relate to improving fall risk may still be debatable, but it is clear that seniors need to avoid Vitamin D deficiency through diet and supplementation for optimal health.

Janssen HC, Samson MM, Verhaar HJ. Vitamin D deficiency, muscle function, and falls in elderly people. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002:75(4):611-615.

Preidt R. Vitamin D may not lower seniors’ fall risk. HealthDay Web Site.
Retrieved from: http://consumer.healthday.com/senior-citizen-information-31/misc-aging-news-10/vitamin-d-does-not-lower-fall-risk-among-seniors-review-687066.html. Published April 23, 2014. Accessed April 24, 2014. 


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