Vitamin D in Fracture Prevention and Muscle Function and Fall Prevention

This chapter reviews the potential of vitamin D for the prevention of falls and fractures. Evidence from randomized-controlled trials will be reviewed for both endpoints, as well as epidemiologic data that links higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status to better bone and muscle health. The chapter addresses the evidence of fracture and fall prevention by dose of vitamin D, by type of dwelling and treatment duration. All data considered, this chapter summarizes the compelling dual benefit of vitamin D on fracture reduction by its bone and muscle target, a concept that is reviewed at the onset of the chapter.