Falls and Low Vitamin D Levels



Retirees who receive sufficient vitamin D can lower their risk for falls and fractures, says a recent consensus statement from the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. The statement aims to encourage primary healthcare providers to ensure that we receive enough vitamin D as we age. In addition to dietary sources, sunlight and supplements can also contribute to vitamin D levels.

Adequate vitamin D levels can help with calcium absorption (which is vital for bone health), physical function, and healthy bone density. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to falls and fractures, muscle weakness, and loss of bone strength.

The recommendation comes from the American Geriatrics Society’s Consensus Statement on Vitamin D Supplementation for Older Adults Work Group.1 The statement is based on evidence from recent studies as well as input from several medical organizations.

Source:

  1. American Geriatrics Society Workgroup on Vitamin D Supplementation for Older Adults. Recommendations Abstracted from the American Geriatrics Society Consensus Statement on Vitamin D for Prevention of Falls and Their Consequences. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2014 Jan; 62 (1): 147-152. Article first published online: DOI: 10.1111/jgs.12631.
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