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VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTATION IS ASSOCIATED WITH A REDUCTION IN SELF-REPORTED FALLS AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH PREVIOUS FALL HISTORY – FEASIBILITY STUDY

S.D. Anton, R.T. Mankowski, P. Qiu, L. You, B.A. Bensadon, E.J. Audino, C. Custodero, J.H. Lee, J. Hincapie, C. McLaren, C. Leeuwenburgh, S.P. Ganesh

J Frailty Aging 2022;11(2)224-230

Background: Vitamin D insufficiency contributes to muscle weakness and a higher risk of falls in older adults. Objectives: This study explored the impact of vitamin D supplementation on self-reported falls and physical function in older adults with low vitamin D levels and a recent fall history. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five older adults ≥ 70 years with two or more falls during the past year, low vitamin D blood levels (≥10 ng/ml and < 30 ng/mL), and slow gait speed (1.2 m/s) participated in a 6-month vitamin D supplementation (800 IU/day) study. A modified version of the Morse Fall Scale questionnaire was used to assess frequency of falls over one-year prior to study enrollment. Functional outcomes (short physical performance battery, handgrip strength, gait Timed Up and Go, and six-minute walk), and vitamin D levels were assessed at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Results: Based on diaries and pill counts, participants were generally adherent to the intervention (6 of 7 days per week). Supplementation with 800 IU/day of vitamin D for 6 months increased blood vitamin D levels from 23.25±4.8 ng/ml to 29.13±6.9 ng/ml (p<0.001). Self-reported number of falls decreased from an average of 3.76 ± 2.2 falls in one-year to 0.76 ± 1.4 falls (p <0.0001) over the 6-month intervention. No changes in functional outcome measures were observed. Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation at the currently recommended dose of 800 IU/day increased blood vitamin D levels and reduced frequency of falls in older adults with low vitamin D levels and a recent fall history.

CITATION:
S.D. Anton ; R.T. Mankowski ; P. Qiu ; L. You ; B.A. Bensadon ; E.J. Audino ; C. Custodero ; J.H. Lee ; J. Hincapie ; C. McLaren ; C. Leeuwenburgh ; S.P. Ganesh ; (2021): Vitamin D Supplementation Is Associated with a Reduction in Self-Reported Falls among Older Adults with Previous Fall History – Feasibility Study . The Journal of Frailty and Aging (JFA). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jfa.2021.46

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