Older persons who take vitamin D could fall less often

The British Medical Journal's website recently posted the results of a study that suggest older persons who take vitamin D on a daily basis could fall less than those who don't.


Research suggest that a dose of 700 to 1000 International Units (IU) of vitamin D could reduce the likelihood of falling by as much as 19 percent for the elderly. The study also claims that any dose smaller than 700 IUs has no effect.


Thirty-three percent of elderly people fall once a year and six percent of these seniors fracture a bone as a result.

Vitamin D reportedly improves strength and balance and, assuming this claim is true, can help older persons avoid falling.


The elderly can take other measures to prevent falls like wearing shoes with low heals and rubber soles, getting regular exercise and making sure their eyeglasses are clean, according to Colorado State University.


The research published in the British Medical Journal indicated that the effects of vitamin D were significant within the first two to five months and that they lasted over a year.


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