Vitamin D
, which is essential for overall health, however, won’t prevent the risk of falling or fracture in older adults, according to a new draft recommendation from the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
Falling is the most common cause of injury in older adults, and fractures significantly impact their quality of life. Though falls happen in people of all ages, the after-effects in older adults are more severe.
In a draft recommendation, USPSTF said that taking vitamin D supplements with or without calcium does not prevent falls or fractures in older adults aged 60 or about, living at home (not in assisted living or nursing homes), including men and women who underwent menopause.
“Preventing older adults from falling and breaking a bone is important to their ongoing health and independence. Unfortunately, when we reviewed the latest evidence, we found that taking vitamin D with or without calcium does not prevent falls or fractures in older adults, so we recommend against these supplements for people who are not taking them for other medical reasons,” Task Force member John M. Ruiz, Ph.D. said in a release.
Though vitamin D and calcium are important for bone health and overall wellness, there is no evidence that these supplements could help older adults avoid falling and breaking a bone. On the contrary, such supplements taken unless the doctor asks to can lead to other conditions such as an increased risk of kidney stones.
“The good news is there are evidence-based ways for older adults to maintain good bone health. The Task Force recommends other effective preventive services related to falls and fractures including screening for osteoporosis in women and structured exercise programs to prevent falls in older adults who are at increased risk of falling,” Task Force member Goutham Rao, M.D., FAHA added.
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USPSTF further added that the recommendation does not apply to people who are taking vitamin D or calcium for other medical reasons or those diagnosed with osteoporosis,
vitamin D deficiency
, or any medical condition that affects how they absorb vitamin D. Such individuals can follow the guidance of their doctor on how to stay healthy.
Benefits of Vitamin D
- Supports bone health: Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is vital in maintaining strong bones and preventing conditions like osteoporosis and rickets.
- Strengthens the immune system: Vitamin D increases the body’s ability to fight infections and reduce inflammation.
- Beneficial for cardiovascular health: Vitamin D helps to regulate blood pressure and supports heart function. It also reduces the risk of heart disease.
- Support good mental health: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulating mood and also decreasing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
- Skin repair and health: Vitamin D is also beneficial for skin health and may help with conditions like psoriasis by reducing inflammation and supporting cell turnover.
Sources of vitamin D
Your body can create vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors. Other sources of vitamin D include eating oily fish (salmon, sardines, herring, and mackerel), red meat, liver, egg yolks, and fortified foods (some fat spreads and breakfast cereals).
(Pic courtesy: iStock)
I’m Manas Ranjan Sahoo: Founder of “Webtirety Software”. I’m a Full-time Software Professional and an aspiring entrepreneur, dedicated to growing this platform as large as possible. I love to Write Blogs on Software, Mobile applications, Web Technology, eCommerce, SEO, and about My experience with Life.
