Vitamin D Supplementation in Older Adults: Is the Hype Definitely Over?

Abstract

Four meta-analyzes on the effect of vitamin D on fracture prevention were published between 2016 and 2018. Two of these meta-analyzes focused on the primary prevention of fractures in adults aged 50 and over who were not at risk for fractures or vitamin D deficiency. Another meta-analysis focused on the combination of vitamin D plus calcium and the most recently published meta-analysis focused on the individual effect of vitamin D without calcium. In terms of current guidelines, it is important to note that only 1 out of the 3 most recent meta-analyzes were predominantly directed at adults over the age of 65 with an increased risk of falls, fractures, and vitamin D deficiency. What can we recommend now? Based on our critical review of the meta-analyzes on vitamin D and fracture prevention, vitamin D supplementation with or without calcium is still useful in older adults, ages 65 and older, with an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of fracture.