High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation Does Not Improve Leg Function in Frail Elders

Evidence suggests a positive relation between vitamin D levels and lower-extremity strength and function, but whether vitamin D supplementation benefits leg function in older, noninstitutionalized patients is unclear. Researchers randomized 200 older home-dwelling adults (mean age, 78; 67% women) who had experienced falls during the previous 12 months to monthly oral supplementation with 24,000 IU vitamin D₃ (control group); 60,000 IU vitamin D₃; or 24,000 IU vitamin D₃ plus 300 μg calcifediol (a hepatic metabolite of vitamin D). Patients were excluded if they had major impairments or chronic diseases or were taking medications that affect vitamin D levels or calcium metabolism. At baseline, 58% of patients had serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25…