Effect of Vitamin D on Falls and Physical Performance

Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2017 Dec;46(4):919-933. doi: 10.1016/j.ecl.2017.07.004. Epub 2017 Sep 28.

Abstract

Recent understanding has highlighted the importance of extraskeletal role of vitamin D. Despite numerous observational and interventional studies over the last two decades, the apparent divergent clinical findings have intensified the controversy regarding this role of vitamin D in older adults. This article reviews the existing literature and summarizes the current knowledge of vitamin D status and vitamin D supplementation on falls and physical performance, describes the putative mechanisms underlying this association, and reflects on the controversy surrounding vitamin D recommendations in older adults.

Keywords: Falls; Fracture; Frailty; Muscle strength; Physical performance; Vitamin D.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls*
  • Aged
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Fractures, Bone / blood*
  • Humans
  • Muscle Strength / physiology
  • Vitamin D / blood*

Substances

  • Vitamin D