Vitamin D reduces risk of fractures
Vitamin D supplements could prevent brittle bones but many older adults lack sufficient levels of the vitamin. In a recent survey of older adults who sustained fractures, 64% had deficient vitamin D levels and 90% had insufficient calcium levels.
High doses of vitamin D could be an important preventative measures for older adults, a new study suggests. In the study, high doses of vitamin D reduced the risk of hip fractures in older adults by 30% and lowered the risk non-vertebral fractures by 14%. The meta-analysis differed from previous studies because researchers examined the actual amount of vitamin D participants consumed rather than the amount they were assigned to take. Of the 31,022 adults surveyed, those who took at least 800 IU of vitamin D had the largest reduction in fractures.
Taking vitamin D supplements could improve bone and spinal health, regardless of age. Consult with a doctor to determine whether vitamin D supplementation make sense for you.
Reference
Bischoff-Ferrari H, et al. A pooled analysis of vitamin D dose requirements for fracture prevention. N Engl J of Med 2012; 367:40-49.
