You are less likely to fall and injure yourself when you’re older if you keep your muscles and bones in good condition. Taking regular Vitamin D supplements can enhance your muscle strength and bone density, and reduce your risk of falling.
Muscle and bone condition
Keeping your muscles and bones in good condition is a big part of staying active and independent as you get older. The stronger your muscles and bones are, the less likely you are to experience the falls that can affect people, particularly from the age of 65 onwards.
This is because your muscles and bones play an important role in your posture, balance and mobility. The good news is, you can enhance your muscle strength and bone density, and reduce your risk of falling, by taking regular Vitamin D supplements.
Why start taking Vitamin D supplements?
It’s not uncommon for your body’s Vitamin D levels to decrease as you get older. This can happen if you spend less time outside in the sun, which is one of the main sources of Vitamin D.
Taking Vitamin D supplements is a positive way to boost your body’s Vitamin D levels and strengthen your muscles.
For more information about sunlight as the main source of Vitamin D in New Zealand, see the Cancer Society position statement on the risks and benefits of sun exposure in New Zealand (PDF184K) (external link).
Residential Care
Vitamin D supplements are available to anyone living in a residential care facility. Check with your doctor to make sure they are suitable for you, and to get a prescription.
All it takes is one 1.25mg tablet once a month to boost your Vitamin D levels.
How does Vitamin D work to prevent falls?
Vitamin D has been shown to increase the number and size of type II muscle fibres, which play an important role in balance and mobility. Vitamin D also helps maintain the strength of your bones.
References to the research evidence that supports how Vitamin D can help prevent falls are included in Key references for falls prevention.
Are there any other health benefits of taking Vitamin D supplements?
Low Vitamin D levels have been linked to many chronic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, respiratory diseases, Type II diabetes and some cancers.
For more information and resources about Vitamin D, see our Publications page.
Last updated: 20April2009