Vitamin D and calcium are essential for bone health and other functions.
Falls remain the leading cause of injury-related deaths in this group.
Those falls cause risks of bone breaks, which can have really important health consequences.
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The USPSTF usually reviews the evidence behind its recommendations every five years.
It grades its recommendations based on the certainty of the evidence and how beneficial the intervention is acting like.
What Does the Evidence Say?
The Task Force considered evidence from 19 new randomized clinical trials.
This means there was essentially no difference between people taking the supplements and those who didnt, Ruiz explained.
There was essentially no difference at all, Ruiz said.
Its actually pretty rare for me to see a resource that shows such a clear result like that.
Essentially nobody was helped by taking the supplement in terms of fractures.
Should You Still Take a Vitamin D Supplement?
Vitamin D helps bones develop normally and remain strong.
It also has other health benefits important for aging, such as reducing inflammation and supporting immune function.
Taking large doses of those supplements can sometimes do more harm than good, she said.
How Can You Protect Your Bones and Reduce Fall Risk?
The Task Force also recommends that older adults be evaluated for the risk ofosteoporosis.
Some people may be at increased risk for falls and fractures due to genetic predisposition.
Routine check-ups can help those people identify the preventive measures that can keep them healthy.
People at higher risk of falling should talk to a health provider for treatment recommendations.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Older adult falls data.
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin D: fact sheet for health professionals.
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Calcium: fact sheet for health professionals.
