Vitamin D & Calcium

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Learn More about the benefits of Vitamin D & Calcium

Role of Vitamin D & Calcium in Elderly Fall Prevention

Vitamin D and calcium are important for bone health, while vitamin D also supports muscle function. Supplements may be useful for selected older adults, especially when vitamin D deficiency or low intake is present, but they are not a stand-alone way to prevent every fall. Strength and balance exercise, together with a review of medicines, vision and home hazards, remains essential. (1-8)

How Do Vitamin D & Calcium Support Bone and Muscle Health?

Calcium provides much of the mineral structure that gives bones strength. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium efficiently. Together, adequate intake supports bone maintenance as people age. (1,3,5,6)

Vitamin D is also linked with muscle function. Earlier studies observed that low vitamin D status was associated with muscle weakness and a higher risk of falling, and some trials reported improvements after supplementation in deficient or higher-risk older adults. (2-6)

How much calcium, vitamin D and iron do teens need?

Needs vary by age, sex and health status. As a general reference, the U.S. National Institutes of Health lists 1,300 mg of calcium per day for teenagers aged 14-18 years. [9] It lists 15 mcg (600 IU) of vitamin D per day for the same age group. [10]

For iron, the NIH lists 11 mg per day for boys aged 14-18 and 15 mg per day for girls aged 14-18. [11] These figures are useful reference points, but Malaysian dietary recommendations and an individual teenager’s clinical needs should guide personalised advice.

References

1. Tan L, He R, Zheng X. Effect of vitamin D, calcium, or combined supplementation on fall prevention: a systematic review and updated network meta-analysis. BMC Geriatr. 2024;24:390. doi:10.1186/s12877-024-05009-x.

2. Wei F, Li T, Gao Q, Huang Y, Zhou C, Wang W, Qian J. Association between vitamin D supplementation and fall prevention. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022;13:919839. doi:10.3389/fendo.2022.919839.

3. Annweiler C, Montero-Odasso M, Schott AM, Berrut G, Fantino B, Beauchet O. Fall prevention and vitamin D in the elderly: an overview of the key role of the non-bone effects. J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2010;7:50. doi:10.1186/1743-0003-7-50.

4. Ling Y, Xu F, Xia X, Dai D, Xiong A, Sun R, et al. Vitamin D supplementation reduces the risk of fall in the vitamin D deficient elderly: an updated meta-analysis. Clin Nutr. 2021;40(11):5531-5537. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2021.09.031.

5. Pfeifer M, Begerow B, Minne H, Suppan K, Fahrleitner-Pammer A, Dobnig H. Effects of long-term vitamin D and calcium supplementation on falls and parameters of muscle function in community-dwelling older individuals. Osteoporos Int. 2009;20:315-322. doi:10.1007/s00198-008-0662-7.

6. Bischoff HA, Stähelin HB, Dick W, Akos R, Knecht M, Salis C, et al. Effects of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on falls: a randomized controlled trial. J Bone Miner Res. 2003;18(2):343-351. doi:10.1359/jbmr.2003.18.2.343.

7. Ming Y, Zecevic AA, Hunter SW, Miao W, Tirona RG. Medication review in preventing older adults' fall-related injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Can Geriatr J. 2021;24(3):237-250. doi:10.5770/cgj.24.478.

8. Wieczorek M, Isler M, Landau K, Becker MD, Dawson-Hughes B, Kressig RW, et al. Association between visual acuity and prospective fall risk. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2024;25(5):789-795.e2. doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2024.03.005.

9. Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. Calcium - Fact Sheet for Consumers. Source

10. Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. Vitamin D - Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Source

11. Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. Iron - Fact Sheet for Consumers. Source