(October 1, 2009 - Insidermedicine)

Supplemental vitamin D, provided the dose is high enough, can help prevent falls among the elderly, according to a meta-analysis published in the latest issue of the British Medical Journal.

According to the World Health Organization, recommended nutrient intakes for vitamin D are:

•       Infants, children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women, and adults under age 51: 200 IU/day

•       Adults aged 51 to 65: 400 IU/day

•       Adults aged 65+: 600 IU/day

Researchers out of University Hospital Zurich in Switzerland conducted a meta-analysis of eight randomized, double-blind trials in which the use of vitamin D for the prevention of falls among those aged 65 or older was assessed. Together, the studies comprised 2,426 individuals taking defined oral doses of supplemental vitamin D2 or D3 or an active form of vitamin D3.

Supplementation with at least 700 to 1,000 IU of vitamin D per day reduced the risk of falling by 19%. Achieving a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 25 (OH)D concentration of at least 60 nmol/L reduced the risk of falling by 23%. Lower doses and concentrations of supplemental vitamin D had no effect on fall risk. Taking active forms of vitamin D reduced the risk of falling by 22%.

Today's research highlights the effectiveness of high doses of supplemental vitamin D for helping to prevent falls among older individuals. There appears to be no additional benefit of active vitamin D for this indication.