Details
Question
- What is the clinical effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of falls and fractures in elderly patients residing in long-term care facilities?
- What is the cost-effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of falls and fractures in elderly patients residing in long-term care facilities?
- What are the evidence-based guidelines regarding vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of falls and fractures in elderly patients residing in long-term care facilities?
Key Message
Moderate quality evidence suggested that vitamin D supplementation may reduce the rate of falls (i.e., number of falls), but not the risk of falling (i.e., number of individuals who fall) in older adults residing in long-term care facilities. Economic evaluations revealed that vitamin D supplementation dominates no intervention (i.e., less costly and more effective than no intervention) in preventing falls and fall-related injuries. Vitamin D supplementation at a dose of at least 1,000 IU daily is recommended by the guidelines. High daily doses (> 4,000 IU daily) or high load doses of vitamin D may result in higher fall rates than standard doses, and are therefore not recommended.