The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has released a draft recommendation stating that taking vitamin D and calcium supplements will not reduce the risk of falls or fractures in generally healthy older adults. Instead, they suggest focusing on other ways to protect against these risks.
While vitamin D and calcium are essential for overall health, particularly bone health, research shows that supplementation does not provide a significant benefit in preventing fractures or falls in this age group. In fact, some studies have found that taking high doses of vitamin D can even increase the risk of kidney stones.
The USPSTF recommends that older adults focus on other ways to reduce their risk of falls and fractures, such as:
* Getting screened for osteoporosis
* Engaging in regular exercise, including strength-training and balance exercises
* Improving vision and hearing through testing and assistive devices
* Taking extra caution when walking on wet or icy surfaces, especially during the winter months
It’s also essential to tell your doctor about any falls or fractures that may have occurred since your last check-up. Your doctor can assess these incidents and identify any underlying medical issues that may need attention.
The Council for Responsible Nutrition disputes this recommendation, arguing that older adults with low vitamin D levels or deficiency would benefit most from supplementation. However, the USPSTF emphasizes that their recommendation is focused on healthy older adults who do not have underlying health conditions that may be affected by vitamin D and calcium supplements.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/17/health/vitamin-d-calcium-falls-uspstf-wellness/index.html