In this video, Dr. Matthew Davis, director of Crossroads Chiropractic, shares important information looking at serious falls in the elderly and whether vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin should be taken to prevent them.
Falls in the elderly can be attributed to balance issues and muscle weakness.
Randomized controlled trials have found that vitamin D deficiency causes decreased muscle strength, particularly in the thigh muscles, which are important for fall prevention. As we age, our muscles lose the ability to use available vitamin D leading, to this loss.
Calcium absorption, healthy bone density, and physical function all require adequate vitamin D levels, and calcium is also vital for bone health. In addition, for over 400 years it has been known that low Vitamin D levels are linked to muscle weakness, loss of bone strength, and as we said, falls and fractures.
Sources of vitamin D include fortified milk and other fortified foods, supplements, and production by the skin when exposed to sunlight, which becomes significantly less efficient with advancing age.
Vitamin D supplements have been shown to improve balance. So, it is assumed there maybe a neurological, or even a cognitive effect.
Studies show older men and women do get significant protection from falls with vitamin D, especially among those who start out with relatively low levels, which is why The American Geriatric Society recommends vitamin D supplementation for those at high risk for falls.
Although vitamin D supplementation appears to help lower the risk of falls, the strongest and most consistent evidence for prevention of serious falls is exercise focused on strength and balance training.
Your best source for health information is your Sharpsburg Chiropractor, Crossroads Chiropractic. Visit Crossroads Chiropractic regularly and make sure your nervous system is functioning 100%.
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