Vitamin D supplementation to prevent falls in the elderly: evidence and practical considerations.
Pharmacists in both ambulatory and institutional settings are often in a position to help optimize the drug regimens of patients who are experiencing falls. Supplementation with vitamin D is an important emerging therapy for the prevention of falls. Numerous investigators have recently studied or reviewed the association between vitamin D supplementation and decreased risk of falls in elderly patients, yet little of this information is available in the pharmacy literature. A MEDLINE search was conducted to collect relevant articles about the role of vitamin D in preventing falls among elderly patients; recently published meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials were identified and reviewed. The studies indicated a statistically significant positive relationship between vitamin D supplementation with either cholecalciferol 700 IU/day or greater or ergocalciferol 800 IU/day or greater and decreased risk of falls. Other practical issues, including who should receive vitamin D replacement, what form of vitamin D should be used, and what dosage is required to prevent falls, are discussed.
Fosnight
Susan M
SM
Department of Pharmacy, Summa Health System, Akron, Ohio; and the Northeastern Ohio College of Pharmacy, Rootstown, OH 44304, USA. fosnighs@summa-health.org
Zafirau
William J
WJ
Hazelett
Susan E
SE
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002118:Calcium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002762:Cholecalciferol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004872:Ergocalciferols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D004872:Ergocalciferols; D014815:Vitamins; D014807:Vitamin D; D002762:Cholecalciferol; D002118:Calcium