Vitamin D supplements could help reduce the risk of falling

Tue., May 18, 2004

Linda Searing The Washington Post

The question: When an older person falls, serious injury often results. Might the chance of falling be reduced by taking vitamin D, which may aid muscle function?

This study reviewed data from previous studies in which falling was monitored and elderly participants took vitamin D (generally 800 IU) or a placebo. Analysis included 1,237 otherwise healthy people, mostly women, averaging 70 years old. The review concluded that 22 percent fewer people taking vitamin D fell than did those not taking the supplement.

Who may be affected by these findings? The elderly. The chance of falling increases as people age, with nearly half of all 80 year olds likely to fall in a given year.

Caveats: The review did not determine whether differences in physical activity affected the results.

Bottom line: People 60 or older might want to ask their doctor about vitamin D.

Find this study: April 28 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Learn more about other ways to reduce the risk of falling at www.mayoclinic.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.