The Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Fall Reduction in the Elderly: A Critical Appraisal
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Date
2015-04
Authors
Martens, Jillian
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Falls in the elderly is a significant public health problem due to their high prevalence of 30% in those over 65, many of which result in fractures and soft tissue injuries, longstanding pain, functional impairment, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality. The elderly population is more at risk for vitamin D deficiency, and there is increasing evidence for supplementation and reduction in the rates of falls and fractures. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to critically appraise five keys articles with the aim to answer the question: ‘What are the effects of vitamin D supplementation and fall reduction in the elderly?’ METHODS: A literature search of PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL was conducted and five key articles were selected based on relevance and date of publication. Study findings were also considered when selecting articles so as to provide a complete depiction of the variability of results on this topic. RESULTS: Out of the five key studies, the first showed a positive correlation between vitamin D serum concentrations and fall reduction, as well as increased cognition. The second identified a positive role of vitamin D in balance control, which may be a risk factor for falls in the elderly. A third study showed a positive association between serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels and physical performance in the elderly. The fourth study found positive associations between vitamin D insufficiency and impairments in factors which predispose the elderly to fall. Finally, the last study identified the effect of oral and parenteral megadose vitamin D supplementation in the elderly, and showed prevention of falls and improvement of functional mobility. Based on these findings as well as the quality of study designs and methods it would appear as though vitamin D supplementation in the elderly plays an important role in fall prevention.
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Keywords
Vitamin D, fall reduction, elderly