Vitamin D, exercise now recommended to prevent falls in seniors

According to an analysis of clinical trials of interventions to prevent falls by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, released today in the Annals of Internal Medicine, taking vitamin D supplements and participating in exercise or physical therapy are modestly effective in preventing falls among those 65 years and older.

Falling at least once a year occurs in between 30 and 40 percent of people age 65 or older who live in the community (as distinguished from those in hospitals or nursing homes), according to the USPSTF, an influential, independent advisory board. Of those who do fall, between 5 and 10 percent suffer a fracture, laceration, or head injury.

"Even if they don't result in a serious injury or bone fracture, falls in the elderly can be disastrous," says Marvin M. Lipman, M.D., Consumer Reports Chief Medical Adviser. "The emotional trauma can be significant with resultant insecurity, fear of being alone, personality changes, depression, and resistance to accepting necessary mechanical or personal assistance.

USPSTF reviewed 9 trials of vitamin D supplementation and found about a 17 percent reduction in risk for falling during 6 to 36 months of follow-up. In 18 studies, exercise or physical therapy cut the risk by about 13 percent. Researchers said the potential harms of vitamin D and exercise are small in comparison.

Exercise and physical therapy probably improve strength and balance and therefore result in fewer falls. Vitamin D supplementation may have a beneficial effect on muscle strength and balance by stimulating skeletal muscle cells to synthesize protein, according to the USPSTF.

Bottom line: If you're age 65 or older, talk with your doctor about your risk of falling, and which preventive strategies are right for you. Ask if its appropriate to get your vitamin D level checked and, if you need vitamin D supplements, what dose to take. Discuss what types of exercise or physical therapy may benefit your overall health as well as reduce your risk of falling.

Source
Prevention of Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement [Annals of Internal Medicine]

—Doug Podolsky