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Vitamin D Bolsters Bone Strength in Elderly
Vitamin D supplements can cut the risk of bone fractures in elderly people, even if taken only four times a year in high-dose, slow-release capsules. So say British researchers who found quarterly supplements of Vitamin D could reduce the overall risk of fractures in people over 65 by 22 percent. The risk of fracture at common sites, such as the hip, wrist, forearms or back, was reduced by 33 percent with vitamin D supplementation. "Maintaining adequate vitamin D status can reduce the risk of fractures." Says study author Kay Tee Khaw, a professor of clinical gerontology at the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine. However, Khaw cautions, too much vitamin D can be toxic and recommends that no one take more than 800 IU's of vitamin D a day without consulting their physician first. The study appears in the March 1st issue of the British Medical Journal.
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