There is little benefit for those over 70 taking higher dose vitamin D supplements to improve their bone strength and reduce the risk of falls, new research has revealed.

Older people are often encouraged to take supplements of vitamin D to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. But a Newcastle University-led study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, has backed previous research which shows there is no gain for older people taking vitamin D.

Aim of study

Almost 400 people, aged 70 years or older, were randomly allocated to one of three doses of vitamin D given once a month for 1 year—the doses were 300 µg, 600 µg, or 1200 µg (equivalent to a daily dose of 10 µg, 20 µg, or 40 µg).

The study’s aim—funded by Versus Arthritis—was to measure in these older people the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the change in bone mineral density (BMD), a recognised indicator of bone strength, and changers in markers of bone metabolism.

The findings revealed that there was no change in BMD over 12 months between the three doses. However, the study did show that doses equivalent to 40 µg a day are safe in an older population and there was a beneficial effect on bone metabolism up to the highest dose.

Dr. Terry Aspray, Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer at Newcastle University’s Institute of Cellular Medicine, who is supported by the NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, led the Vitamin D supplementation in older people study (VDOP).

He said, “Vitamin D deficiency is common in older people, and it may lead to bone loss, impairment of muscle function, and an increased risk of falls and fractures.

“The results from previous studies assessing the effect of vitamin D on BMD have yielded conflicting results, and our study is a significant contribution to the current debate.

“While our findings do not support evidence of the benefit of high-dose vitamin D supplements, at least on BMD, we do, however, identify that higher doses of the vitamin may have beneficial effects on bone metabolism and that they are safe for older people.

“I would suggest that older people should focus on maintaining a healthy, balanced diet; adequate sun exposure; and take regular exercise to keep their bones as strong as possible.

“While some may need to take vitamin D supplements, there is little benefit to taking more than 10 µg a day.”

Further studies

Further analysis is underway, including by a Newcastle University PhD student, on the effects sun exposure on vitamin D levels in older people and the impact of vitamin D supplements on muscle strength. Experts are also looking at the impact of genes and kidney function on vitamin D levels and their function in the blood.

Benjamin Ellis, Versus Arthritis senior clinical policy adviser, said, “Older people are at increased risk of falls and fractures, which are debilitating and erode people’s self-confidence, depriving them of their independence. Vitamin D helps build and maintain strong bones and muscles. People who are deficient in vitamin D are at increased risk of falls and fractures."

“In the summer months, vitamin D is manufactured by the body when sunlight falls on the skin. We can also get vitamin D from certain foods, or dietary supplements. Over the one year of this study, higher doses of vitamin D neither improved measures of bone strength nor reduced falls among older people."

“The current guidance is still that people at risk of low vitamin D should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement, as should everyone during the winter months. Work is needed to implement effective strategies to prevent falls and fractures among older people and to understand the role of medications and dietary supplements in this.”