Vitamin D supplementation to prevent falls in the elderly: evidence and practical considerations

Pharmacotherapy. 2008 Feb;28(2):225-34. doi: 10.1592/phco.28.2.225.

Abstract

Pharmacists in both ambulatory and institutional settings are often in a position to help optimize the drug regimens of patients who are experiencing falls. Supplementation with vitamin D is an important emerging therapy for the prevention of falls. Numerous investigators have recently studied or reviewed the association between vitamin D supplementation and decreased risk of falls in elderly patients, yet little of this information is available in the pharmacy literature. A MEDLINE search was conducted to collect relevant articles about the role of vitamin D in preventing falls among elderly patients; recently published meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials were identified and reviewed. The studies indicated a statistically significant positive relationship between vitamin D supplementation with either cholecalciferol 700 IU/day or greater or ergocalciferol 800 IU/day or greater and decreased risk of falls. Other practical issues, including who should receive vitamin D replacement, what form of vitamin D should be used, and what dosage is required to prevent falls, are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / prevention & control*
  • Accidental Falls / statistics & numerical data
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Calcium / administration & dosage
  • Calcium / therapeutic use
  • Cholecalciferol / administration & dosage
  • Cholecalciferol / therapeutic use
  • Ergocalciferols / administration & dosage
  • Ergocalciferols / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Pharmaceutical Services
  • Vitamin D / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use*
  • Vitamins / administration & dosage
  • Vitamins / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Ergocalciferols
  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin D
  • Cholecalciferol
  • Calcium