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High Dose Vitamin D Supplement For People Over 65

Researchers Recommend People Over 65 Should Take High Dose Vitamin D To Prevent Falls and Fractures.

A daily supplement of Vitamin D at a dose of 700-1000 IU reduces the risk of falling among older people by 19% according to a study published on the British Medical Journal website. However, a dose of less than 700 IU per day has no effect.

Each year, one in three people aged 65 and older experience at least one fall, with nearly 6% resulting in a fracture. Fall prevention has therefore become a public health goal especially as the older segment of the population grows. Several trials have shown that Vitamin D improves balance and strength among older people, while others have found no significant effect on the risk of falling.

An international team of researchers analyzed the results of eight fall prevention trials to assess the effectiveness of Vitamin D in preventing falls among older individuals (aged 65 or more). Differences in study design and quality were taken into account to minimize bias. The pooled results showed important benefits from supplemental Vitamin D on fall prevention depended on treatment dose.

Supplemental Vitamin D of 700 IU - 1,000 IU per day (Vitamin D2 or Vitamin D3) reduced falls by 19% and up to 26%. IU is an international unit of measurement for fat-soluble vitamins and other biologically active substances.

This effect was independent of age, type of dwelling or additional calcium supplementation. The effect was significant within two to five months of starting treatment and extended beyond 12 months.

It's important to note supplemental vitamin D did not reduce falls at a dose of less than 700 IU per day. The use of active forms of Vitamin D did not appear to be more effective than 700-1000 IU supplemental Vitamin D. To reduce the risk of falling, a daily intake of at least 700-1000 IU supplemental Vitamin D is warranted in all individuals aged 65 and older, say the authors. Higher doses may be even more effective and should be explored in future research to optimize the fall prevention benefit with Vitamin D, they conclude.

Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Administrator's Note: This article is reprinted here with the permission of Vitamin Power.