Narrative Review of Vitamin D and Its Specific Impact on Balance Capacity in Older Adults

Ray Marks

doi:10.3934/medsci.2016.4.345

Abstract

Introduction and Aims: Falls injuries among older adults, a widespread well-established contributor to high disability levels, excess morbidity and mortality rates, have many causes. This review examines the association between vitamin D levels and postural stability or balance control—a fairly consistent predictor of falls among older adults. Materials and Method: All relevant English language peer reviewed research publications detailing the relationship between vitamin D levels and balance control among the elderly were sought. Key words included “Vitamin D and Balance or Postural Control.” Databases used were Academic Search Complete, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Results: Analysis showed no consistent association to exist between the key variables of interest examined-indeed, despite years of study, there as many positive studies as negative studies, regardless of study design. Conclusion: More research is needed to support the use of vitamin D supplementation for purposes of improving balance capacity among older adults. Geriatric clinicians can however, expect this form of intervention to be more protective then not against falls injuries among those with both concomitant vitamin D deficiencies and poor balance control.

Highlights

Introduction and AimsFalls injuries among older adults, a widespread well-established contributor to high disability levels, excess morbidity and mortality rates, have many causes
Among recent discussions concerning falls risk factors among the elderly, the question of whether there is a possible link between any increased risk of falling as a result the influence vitamin D on balance capacity has been raised
If it can be shown that vitamin D, a hormone associated with many important body functions [2,4] and that can be delivered in the form of a daily supplement, or via and intramuscular injection, the ingestion of certain foods, and/or sunlight exposure is a powerful mediating force that influences balance capacity, this may have a highly positive influence on reducing falls risk among the elderly [6]

Summary

Introduction

Introduction and AimsFalls injuries among older adults, a widespread well-established contributor to high disability levels, excess morbidity and mortality rates, have many causes. This review examines the association between vitamin D levels and postural stability or balance control—a fairly consistent predictor of falls among older adults. For more than 30 years, falls have been a leading cause of death among older persons in the United States, and elsewhere [1,2] Among those who survive, many, previously unimpaired, may experience mobility and independence losses, plus a greater risk of premature mortality [3]. Cumulative evidence indicates several potentially modifiable factors can influence the risk of falling and sustaining a disabling injury. These include, but are not limited to deficient muscle strength, confusion, sensory losses, and poor postural control or balance impairments [1,3,4,5]. If it can be shown that vitamin D, a hormone associated with many important body functions [2,4] and that can be delivered in the form of a daily supplement, or via and intramuscular injection, the ingestion of certain foods, and/or sunlight exposure is a powerful mediating force that influences balance capacity, this may have a highly positive influence on reducing falls risk among the elderly [6]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion