Vitamin D Supplements for Older Adults

Clinical Study Title:
Effects of vitamin D supplementation on strength, physical performance, and falls in older persons: a systematic review.

Plain English Summary:

This was a literature review of the use and effective of vitamin D supplements for older adults. Over 13 research studies were reviewed, with a total of over 2400 participants. Results were varied across the studies as to the exact role of vitamin D supplements at improving health for older adults, but all studies which involved calcium in combination with vitamin D suggested positive benefits. There have been very solid research studies that support the use of vitamin D in conjunction with other vitamins to obtain positive effects from this supplement.

Authors:
Latham NK. Anderson CS. Reid IR.

Institution:
Clinical Trials Research Unit, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.

Country of Publication:
United States

Source:
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 51(9):1219-26, 2003 Sep.