Fall prevention and vitamin D in the elderly: an overview of the key role of the non-bone effects

J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2010 Oct 11:7:50. doi: 10.1186/1743-0003-7-50.

Abstract

Preventing falls and fall-related fractures in the elderly is an objective yet to be reached. There is increasing evidence that a supplementation of vitamin D and/or of calcium may reduce the fall and fracture rates. A vitamin D-calcium supplement appears to have a high potential due to its simple application and its low cost. However, published studies have shown conflicting results as some studies failed to show any effect, while others reported a significant decrease of falls and fractures. Through a 15-year literature overview, and after a brief reminder on mechanism of falls in older adults, we reported evidences for a vitamin D action on postural adaptations - i.e., muscles and central nervous system - which may explain the decreased fall and bone fracture rates and we underlined the reasons for differences and controversies between published data. Vitamin D supplementation should thus be integrated into primary and secondary fall prevention strategies in older adults.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / prevention & control*
  • Accidental Falls / statistics & numerical data
  • Aged / physiology*
  • Fractures, Bone / epidemiology
  • Fractures, Bone / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Nervous System Physiological Phenomena
  • Postural Balance / physiology
  • Risk
  • Vitamin D / physiology*
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use
  • Vitamins / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin D