title: Importance of vitamin D and calcium at older age.
abstract: We review the potential of vitamin D for the prevention of falls and fractures. Evidence from randomized-controlled trials will be reviewed for both endpoints, as well as epidemiologic data that correlates higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D status with better bone and muscle health. This review summarizes the compelling dual benefit of vitamin D on bone and muscle health, a concept that is unique and important for optimal fracture prevention at higher age. We will review sources of vitamin D and calcium and also outline why calcium supplementation alone may not contribute to fracture prevention at higher age. This review concludes that vitamin D at a dose of at least 800 IU per day should be provided to all postmenopausal women and everybody starting at age 60 for optimal bone and muscle health. In combination with a vitamin D supplement, dairy products may be an optimal source of calcium at higher age as milk provides both calcium and protein.
authors.affiliation: Centre on Aging and Mobility, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. Heike.bischoff@usz.ch
authors.forename: Heike A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Bischoff-Ferrari
authors.forename: Hannes B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Staehelin
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D000368:Aged; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002118:Calcium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002136:Calcium, Dietary / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol / Q000378:metabolism; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D002136:Calcium, Dietary; D018977:Micronutrients; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol; D014807:Vitamin D; C104450:25-hydroxyvitamin D; D002118:Calcium