Nutrition Guidelines

Nutrition

Vitamin D and Muscle Function.

Vitamin D is made by your body when you are in
the sunshine daily. In older age supplements may be needed for optimal health.

Vitamin D has long been known to be essential for bone health and prevention of osteoporosis. Now, a new study shows that it is also beneficial for proper muscle function¹. A double blind, controlled study compared elderly women who took a calcium + vitamin D supplement daily and a control group which took only calcium.

Over a 12 week trial period, those women taking the calcium plus vitamin D had a 49% decrease in rate of falls compared to those women taking only calcium. They also tested muscle strength and function and found that those getting the vitamin D had improved muscle function. The researchers felt this was the best explanation why those taking vitamin D had fewer falls. Thus vitamin D is very beneficial in preventing fractures, by:

Making bones stronger and less likely to break, and
Improving muscle strength and function to prevent falls

Reference

References
1. Bischoff HA, et al. Effects of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on falls: A randomized controlled trial, Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2003;18:343-51

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Making Healthy Choices articles are written by Don Hall, DrPH, CHES president of LifeLong Health with contributions from associated health professionals. Content is general health information from evidence based research. It's purpose is not to treat disease or take the place of advice by your doctor but to promote healthy lifestyles. Persons with health problems should contact their physician for specific guidance.

Updated: 7-14-03 DRH