Vitamin D and Calcium Reduces Falls in Elderly Women

A new study from University Hospital Zurich, Harvard School of Public Health and Tufts University and published in the Feb. 27 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine (166, 4:424-30, 2006) found that taking vitamin D and calcium for at least three years may reduce the odds of ambulatory women falling by as much as 65%. Researchers investigated the effect of supplemental Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and calcium citrate on the risk of falling in elderly men and women. The three year placebo-controlled, randomized, double blind study involved 199 men and 246 women 65 years or older and living at home. Each subject took either 700 IU cholecalciferol and 500 mg calcium citrate daily or a placebo. Researchers also classified the subjects as more or less physically active and marked subjects whose vitamin D blood levels were low.

After three years, 55% of men and 45% of women reported at least one fall; however, the cholecalciferol-calcium combination significantly reduced the odds of falling in women with more pronounced effects in the less active women. Baseline vitamin D levels had no apparent effect on results and supplementation did not reduce men's risk of falls. Researchers concluded that long-term vitamin D / calcium supplementation reduced the odds of falling in ambulatory older women by 46% and in less active older women by 65%, but had no significant effect in men.

The Researchers in this study did not suggest a mechanism by which supplementation with vitamin D and Calcium reduced falls in the elderly. However it brings to mind the old question: "Does the fall cause the hip fracture or does the hip fracture cause the fall?" Since elderly women are the primary risk group for osteoporosis it is logical that long term supplementation would have the greatest benefit for them, particularly those who are the least active.

Bio-Design Cal Plus is a comprehensive formula of minerals and other nutrients to support healthy bone density. Young adults should supplement calcium and cofactor minerals to promote the development of adequate bone mineral density critical to the prevention of osteoporosis in later years. Seniors should supplement calcium and other minerals along with nutrients that promote their assimilation to maintain healthy bone mineral density. Take two to four Cal-Plus twice daily as a dietary supplement.