Meta-analysis shows vitamin D reduces falls
Vitamin D supplementation may reduce the risk of falls in older people by more than 20 per cent, according to a new meta-analysis published last week.
The analysis included five randomised, controlled trials involving 1,237
participants in stable health, with a mean age of 60 years. Based on
these studies, the authors found that vitamin D reduced the odds ratio
of falling by 22 per cent compared with patients receiving calcium or
placebo. The number needed to treat (NNT) for a beneficial effect to
be observed was 15.
Subgroup analysis indicated that the effect size was independent of patient
gender, calcium supplementation, type of vitamin D and duration of therapy.
The authors state: “Given the NNT of 15 and the high morbidity,
mortality and economic cost of falls, our results are sufficiently compelling
to consider vitamin D supplementation for elderly individuals.” They
add that further studies examining the effect of alternative types of
vitamin D and their doses, the role of calcium supplementation and effects
in men should be considered.
The authors explain that the active metabolite of vitamin D binds to
a highly specific receptor in muscle tissue which appears to lead to
improved muscle function. Studies had shown that this effect improved
body sway and, with calcium, increased musculoskeletal function in elderly
women (JAMA 2004;291:1999). |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal
Acrobat
Reader