Neither Vitamin D nor Exercise Affects Overall Fall Rates in Older Women

Some studies suggest a benefit from vitamin D in preventing falls in older patients, but meta-analyses of clinical trials have been inconclusive. The effect of concomitant exercise often is hard to separate from that of vitamin D. This study from Finland involved 409 older women (mean age, 74) who had ≥1 fall during the previous 12 months, did not take vitamin D supplements, and had no medical contraindication to exercise. They were randomized to one of four groups: vitamin D (800 IU daily) plus exercise, placebo plus exercise, vitamin D without exercise, and placebo without exercise. Exercise consisted of structured classes twice weekly for 12 months, then once weekly for an additional 12 months, with a focus on balance and strength traini…