Fractures are a common cause of disability in the elderly, and it is observed that their incidence is increasing worldwide.

Osteoporosis and fragility fractures occur mostly in elderly individuals and are strongly associated with low bone mineral density, vitamin D deficiency and calcium intake. Therefore, supplementation with Vitamin D and calcium are considered a potential treatment for preventing fractures.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is crucial for optimal bone health and the absorption of calcium.

The primary source of Vitamin D is sunlight exposure, but it can also be obtained from dietary sources like fatty fish, eggs, and fortified milk products.

The role of Vitamin D in Fracture Prevention

Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium from the diet and deposits it into bone tissue. Insufficient Vitamin D levels in the body can cause low bone mineral density leading to osteoporosis and fractures.

Therefore, maintaining optimal levels of Vitamin D is crucial for bone health.

There have been many studies conducted that have examined the role of Vitamin D in fracture prevention. A meta-analysis conducted by Bischoff-Ferrari et. al.

found that sufficient Vitamin D levels were associated with a reduced risk of falls and fractures in older individuals. A study conducted in 2015 on 2250 postmenopausal women found that daily consumption of 1000 IU of Vitamin D for three years reduced the incidence of nonvertebral fractures by 22%.

What is Calcium?

Calcium is a crucial mineral that is required for a variety of bodily functions. It plays a significant role in creating and maintaining bone health, muscle function, nerve function, and blood clotting.

Related Article Assessing the effectiveness of calcium and vitamin D in preventing fractures

Calcium is predominantly found in dairy products, cruciferous vegetables, fortified cereals, and supplements. Calcium absorption in the body is dependent upon the intake of Vitamin D.

The role of Calcium in Fracture Prevention

Calcium plays a vital role in building and maintaining bone health. Adequate calcium intake is necessary to prevent fractures as it is the building block of bone tissue.

Studies have shown that calcium supplementation can reduce the risk of fractures in elderly individuals suffering from osteoporosis. A study conducted by Grant et. al. found that daily intake of 1000 mg of calcium supplements in elderly individuals led to a reduction of 12% in the risk of hip fractures.

Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation for Fracture Prevention

Vitamin D and calcium supplementation are often recommended as a preventative measure for fractures in elderly individuals.

The combination of both Vitamin D and calcium supplementation has been shown to have a beneficial effect on bone health and fracture prevention. The synergy between the two nutrients enhances bone density and strength, thus reducing the risk of falls and fractures.

In a meta-analysis conducted by Bolland et. al., it was found that the combination of Vitamin D and calcium supplementation led to a reduction of hip fracture incidence and total fracture incidence by 15% and 9%, respectively.

In another study conducted by Prince et. al., it was found that daily supplementation of 1000 mg of calcium and 800 IU of Vitamin D for three years reduced the risk of hip fractures by 27% in elderly women.

Conclusion

Both Vitamin D and calcium are crucial nutrients for optimal bone health. The combination of both nutrients is considered a potent treatment for preventing fractures in elderly individuals.

Studies have shown that Vitamin D and calcium supplementation can significantly reduce the risk of fractures and falls in the elderly population, especially in those suffering from osteoporosis. It is, therefore, necessary to ensure adequate intake of both nutrients through diet and supplementation to maintain healthy bones and prevent fractures.