Prevention of falls and role of calcium and vitamin D

Aging Clin Exp Res. 2011 Apr;23(2 Suppl):20-1.

Abstract

Falls in the elderly are very common and represent a serious cause of morbidity, severe disability and death. Impairments of the mechanisms of postural stability with age and the presence of acute and chronic diseases may favour the occurrence of falls in the elderly. Together with the adoption of non-pharmacological measures, supplementation of calcium and vitamin D demonstrated to reduce hip fracture risk, particularly in institutionalized people.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / prevention & control*
  • Aged
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Female
  • Hip Fractures / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Risk
  • Risk Factors
  • Skin / radiation effects
  • Vitamin D / metabolism*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / complications

Substances

  • Vitamin D
  • Calcium