New study No benefit from vitamin D supplements in old age

What causes the intake of vitamin D supplements in the elderly?

There have been many discussions in recent years about whether taking vitamin D supplements leads to health benefits. Especially the elderly are often encouraged to take such products to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. However, experts now find that people over the age of 70 gain less health benefits by taking higher doses of vitamin D..

Researchers at Newcastle University found in their latest research that people over the age of 70 do not really benefit from taking vitamin D supplements. The physicians published the results of their study in the English language journal "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition".

Certain foods and the sun provide the body with vitamin D. Many older people still suffer from a lack of vitamin D. (Image: bit24 / fotolia.com)

What is vitamin D.?

Vitamin D helps build and maintain strong bones and muscles. People with vitamin D deficiency are at increased risk for falls and fractures. In the summer months, vitamin D is produced by the body in a natural way when the skin comes in contact with sunlight. Vitamin D can also be obtained from certain foods.

Effects of vitamin D supplements on the elderly

The new study supports the findings of earlier research that found that taking vitamin D supplements does not give any health benefits to the elderly. The experts found in the current research that higher doses of vitamin D for people over the age of 70 years in the improvement of bone strength and reducing the risk of falling only slightly beneficial.

Vitamin D supplementation and the change in bone density

For the new study, nearly 400 subjects at the age of 70 or older were randomly administered one of three doses of Vitamin D. The participants took vitamin D once a month for a period of one year. The doses were 300 μg, 600 μg or 1200 μg (this corresponds to a daily dose of 10 μg, 20 μg or 40 μg). The aim of the study was to measure the effect of vitamin D supplementation on bone density change (BMD), a recognized indicator of bone strength, and alteration of bone metabolism markers in these elderly people. The results found show that the bone density between the three doses has not changed over a period of twelve months.

Vitamin D deficiency is common in the elderly

Vitamin D deficiency is common in the elderly and can lead to bone loss, impaired muscle function, and increased risk of falls and fractures, study author explains. Terry Aspray of Newcastle University. The results of previous studies assessing the effect of vitamin D on bone density have led to conflicting results and the current study is a major contributor to the debate, the expert adds. Although the results do not show a positive effect, at least for bone mineral density, the physicians noted that higher doses of vitamin can have a positive effect on bone metabolism and are safe for the elderly, says dr. Aspray. The experts, however, conclude that older people should focus on a healthy, balanced diet, adequate sun exposure, and regular exercise to keep their bones as strong as possible. (As)