Fall prevention and vitamin D in the elderly: An overview of the key role of the non-bone effects

Preventing falls and fall-related fractures in the elderly is an objective yet to be reached. there is increasing evidence that a supplementation of vitamin d and/or of calcium may reduce the fall and fracture rates. a vitamin d-calcium supplement appears to have a high potential due to its simple application and its low cost. however,published studies have shown conflicting results as some studies failed to show any effect,while others reported a significant decrease of falls and fractures. through a 15-year literature overview,and after a brief reminder on mechanism of falls in older adults,we reported evidences for a vitamin d action on postural adaptations - i.e.,muscles and central nervous system - which may explain the decreased fall and bone fracture rates and we underlined the reasons for differences and controversies between published data. vitamin d supplementation should thus be integrated into primary and secondary fall prevention strategies in older adults. © 2010 annweiler et al; licensee biomed central ltd.