Vitamin D is unlikely to reduce the risk of falls and fractures in older adults

• Members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force say vitamin D supplements do not reduce the risk of falls or fractures in healthy older adults.
• They point out that this vitamin may be helpful for older adults with certain medical conditions such as osteoporosis.
• Although there are several foods that provide minimal amounts of vitamin D, the most effective way to get the nutrient is through exposure to sunlight.

Although vitamin D has many health benefits, it does not reduce or prevent the risk of falls. fracture For elderly people.

That's the conclusion of interim recommendations released this week by members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

among them draft recommendationUSPSTF members, vitamin d supplements Calcium, with or without calcium, does not prevent falls and fractures in postmenopausal women and men over 60 years of age.

Their recommendations apply to those living at home. It does not apply to people in nursing homes or nursing homes. It also does not apply to vitamin D or people taking vitamin D. calcium supplement For medical reasons or for those who have been diagnosed osteoporosis.

“Preventing falls and fractures in older adults is critical to their continued health and independence,” he said. Dr. John Lewisa member of the task force and professor of clinical psychology at the University of Arizona. press release.

“Unfortunately, after reviewing the latest evidence, we find that taking vitamin D, with or without calcium, does not prevent falls and fractures in older adults. We recommend that people who do not take D do not take these supplements.

The task force is accepting public comment The draft report will be available until January 21st. The new recommendation is 2018 report We recommend daily vitamin D supplements for women.

Experts not involved in the report say there is important information to be gleaned from the task force's new draft recommendations.

“We have vitamin D deficiency and low calcium “Diet increases bone fragility and the risk of fractures.” Dr. Edward Hsiaoa professor at the University of California, San Francisco, and director of the UCSF Metabolic Bone Clinic and the UCSF Endocrine T32 Program.

“We also know that in cases of bone fragility and vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D supplementation and calcium supplementation are important to maintain and improve bone health,” Hsiao told Healthline. “This is even more important if the patient is symptomatic. Treatment of osteoporosisThese are important substrates for building the spine, so these medications won't work well without these supplements. ”

“These guidelines are in line with recently published guidelines. guidelines From the Endocrine Society, which I also belonged to,” he added. Dr. Daniel Bikelprofessor of medicine and dermatology at UCSF.

“It's basically healthy people. We're not talking about people who are suspected of having a vitamin D deficiency, such as: malnutrition,osteoporosis, [or] malabsorption” he told Healthline.

Task force members noted that there are many reasons to get enough vitamin D.

vitamin D It is a fat-soluble vitamin that promotes the absorption of calcium, a process that keeps bones and muscles strong. It also plays a role in supporting the immune system.

in past researchResearchers say low vitamin D levels may contribute to joint pain. other the study It shows that low vitamin D levels can contribute to chronic inflammation.

Additionally, some the study reports that vitamin D not only reduces the risk of heart disease, but may also reduce the risk of serious illnesses such as influenza and COVID-19.

but, excessive amount Taking vitamin D can cause stomach discomfort and kidney problems.

“Vitamin D has a variety of effects on the body,” he said. Dr. Wendlyn Gozanskia geriatrician, vice president and chief quality officer at Kaiser Permanente.

“I tell my patients to think of vitamin D as a hormone,” she told Healthline. “It affects muscles, bones, and immune cells, and is metabolized by the liver and kidneys. Vitamin D's main function is the absorption of calcium, so it helps maintain the normal functioning of the heart, muscles, and bones. Although taking vitamin D supplements may not prevent falls or broken bones, having adequate amounts of vitamin D in your body can support your overall health.

Despite these benefits, Gozanski offered a word of caution. “Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, so consuming too much vitamin D can accumulate in the body over time,” she explained.

“Toxic levels of vitamin D can cause: High blood calcium concentration It can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, muscle weakness, and confusion. kidney stonesetc. Always talk to your doctor about any over-the-counter supplements you take. Just because something is available over the counter does not mean it is automatically safe for individuals. ”

Dr. David CutlerA family medicine physician at Providence St. John's Health Center in California, he notes that much of the research on this topic has focused on people with normal vitamin D levels.

“The appropriate conclusion is not that patients do not need vitamin D at all, but rather that patients who receive adequate amounts of vitamin D do not reduce their risk of fractures by taking additional supplements. is accurate,” he told Healthline.

Cutler also pointed out that the task force's recommendations mean that insurance companies may not pay for vitamin D supplement treatment.

the Recommended Adults are said to take in between 600 and 800 international units of vitamin D per day, depending on their age.

the Estimation More than 40% of adults in the United States are found to be vitamin D deficient.

There are not many foods that contain excess vitamin D.

However, there are some food It provides a certain level of vitamin D to the body naturally. Among them are:

• Fatty fish (i.e. salmon, halibutmackerel)
• canned tuna
• cod liver oil
• egg yolk
• mushroom

Some foods, such as milk and orange juice, are fortified with vitamin D.

however, main source The source of vitamin D is sunlight. Vitamins are produced from cholesterol in the skin.

However, if you are exposed to too much sunlight, raise the risk About skin cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends limiting sun exposure, wearing hats, sunglasses, long-sleeved clothing, and broad-spectrum ultraviolet light when in the sun. sunscreen For outdoor skin.

Cutler noted that all the information about vitamin D can seem confusing.

“Some experts suggested that you can safely get vitamin D through sun exposure, but this recommendation was considered controversial because of the potential risks. Increased risk of skin cancer” he told Healthline.

“Other experts have suggested that exposure to sunlight outdoors may have improved health outcomes, perhaps independent of increased vitamin D. Needless to say, this delicate balance of benefits and risks may be a challenge. It is difficult for experts as well as ordinary people to adjust.

“When approaching the issue of vitamin D supplementation with your doctor, you need to consider all potential benefits and risks in the context of your individual health status,” he added.

“This includes diet for adequate calcium intake, exercise to prevent falls, and addressing genetic factors that can influence kidney stone risk. “To make appropriate recommendations, we need a comprehensive assessment of your overall health,” Cutler explained.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report More than one in four seniors in the United States falls each year.

The agency points out that once you fall, you are twice as likely to fall again. However, less than half of older adults who fall report the fall to their doctor.

The agency added that one in 10 falls among older adults results in an injury. Each year in the United States, falls cause 3 million emergency department visits and 1 million hospitalizations among older adults. Falls are also a common cause of hip fractures. traumatic brain injury For elderly people.

Injuries from falls can limit older adults' ability to perform daily activities and live independently.

CDC Recommended Engage in regular physical activity to reduce the likelihood of falls in older adults. These activities include:

• At least 150 minutes of moderate intensity training aerobic exercise Week by week.
• Muscle strengthening activities weightlifting Do strength training at least two days a week.
• Activities that improve balance, such as standing on one leg.

Experts also recommend that older adults be tested for osteoporosis and have their vision and hearing tested.

Elderly people are also urged to stand up slowly after sitting down to avoid swaying, which can lead to falls.

“As a geriatrician, I tell my patients that the best way to prevent falls and fractures is to enjoy physical activity and do it regularly,” Dr. Gozanski said. “This may mean weight-bearing exercises such as: walk or not just weightlifting balance exercises like yoga or tai chi”

Members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force have released a preliminary report showing that vitamin D supplements do not reduce vitamin D levels. Risk of falling Or a broken bone in a healthy elderly person.

They point out that supplements may still be beneficial for older adults with certain medical conditions, such as osteoporosis.

Although experts point out that sunlight is the best way to get vitamin D, excessive exposure to the sun May increase risk of skin cancer.

They say older people should exercise regularly Strengthens bones and muscles to reduce the chance of falls and fractures.