Health
Vitamin D’s Surprising Role in Bone Health: What New Research Reveals
As we age, maintaining bone health becomes increasingly important, and many older adults turn to vitamin D supplements for support. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that one in three adults over 59 take these supplements. Vitamin D is well-known for its role in promoting bone health, but recent findings challenge its effectiveness in preventing falls and fractures.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has released a new report that questions the preventive capabilities of vitamin D supplements regarding falls and bone fractures. While vitamin D remains essential for bone health and muscle function, it appears insufficient in preventing accidental falls, which often result in broken bones.
“In terms of their effectiveness in preventing fractures or falls, we did not find any evidence to support that,” stated Dr. Goutham Rao, a member of the USPSTF and chairman of the family medicine department at Case Western Reserve University, in an interview with NPR. Moreover, taking high doses of vitamin D supplements could potentially increase the risk of developing kidney stones.
John Ruiz, another USPSTF member, emphasized the thoroughness of their research: “The cream of the crop of research studies were done and examined in this review, and essentially no difference was found between those who took the supplements versus those who didn’t.” The study focused on postmenopausal women and men aged 60 or older, aligning with the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) recommendation of 600 to 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D per day for adults, though this may vary with age.
Beyond bone health, vitamin D plays a vital role in immune function. Dr. Wendee Gozansky, a geriatrician at Kaiser Permanente, highlighted its broader health benefits: “It has direct effects on immune cells and function and a plethora of impacts across the body. That is why you have to be sure you have enough across the lifespan.” Vitamin D also aids in cell growth, glucose metabolism, inflammation reduction, and tissue production, according to the NIH’s Office of Dietary Supplements.
Increasing vitamin D levels naturally is possible through diet and sunlight exposure. Foods like seafood and fortified cereals, such as Raisin Bran, can help boost vitamin D intake without supplements. Additionally, spending time in the sun is beneficial, but sunscreen is essential to protect the skin.
Dr. Gozansky concluded with a balanced perspective: “I think the key message really is that just because vitamin D is not the be-all to prevent falls and fractures doesn’t mean that there isn’t a role for having adequate intake of vitamin D for general health.”
For those concerned about balance and fall prevention, activities like Tai Chi, pilates, and resistance training are recommended by Harvard Health. If there’s a concern about vitamin D deficiency, consulting a doctor for a blood test is advisable to determine appropriate steps.
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