The link between vitamin D and a reduction in the risk of older adults suffering from a fall is the focus of a new ‘Mind the Gap’ resource from international supplements body IADSA.
The new resource explains that falling is a risk factor for bone fractures among men and women aged 60 years and older. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are 37.3 million falls every year – more than 100,000 a day – that are serious enough to require attention.
Multiple factors can increase the risk of fall, including a lack of vitamin D. Scientists believe vitamin D improves muscle function, strength and body balance, which helps to reduce the risk of falling.
“The message of our latest Mind the Gap resource is simple: increasing vitamin D intake is a way to help older adults keep their bones strong and reduce the risk of suffering a fall”
WHO and the US National Institute on Ageing. both suggest that a lack of vitamin D could increase the risk of suffering a fracture as a result of a fall. The European Commission, meanwhile, has approved a health claim for vitamin D and a reduced risk of falling.
Simon Pettman, executive director of IADSA, commented: “The message of our latest Mind the Gap resource is simple: increasing vitamin D intake is a way to help older adults keep their bones strong and reduce the risk of suffering a fall. With many people becoming less active as a result of lockdowns and self-isolation, the central message of this new story is more important now than ever.”
Find out more about IADSA’s Mind the Gap resources at iadsa.org/mind-the-gap.
