4 Easy Ways To Beat Holiday Stress
Not only does stress affect you in the moment you get triggered but in the long run can lead to vari...
Read More
Supplementing with vitamin D, with or without calcium, can increase the risk of kidney stones
Just taking vitamin D supplements along with calcium may not lower the risk of fractures and falls among older adults, says a new study issued last week by the US Preventive Services Task Force. According to statistics, fragility fractures are frequent in the elderly and the lifetime risk of fractures lies within the range of 40–50 per cent in women and 13–22 per cent in men.
Most people take vitamin D and calcium since your body needs the vitamin to absorb calcium—essential for bone health. However, even though the panel report says that vitamin D does not lower the risk of fractures or falls in older adults, it has not clearly indicated whether people should forgo vitamin D or calcium or that they have no benefits.
The report’s systematic review of research on the role of calcium, vitamin D, and falls in older adults concluded with moderate certainty that supplementing with vitamin D shows no benefit for preventing falls and fractures in older adults.
While there is no significant benefit of vitamin D on bones, experts also found that supplementing with vitamin D, with or without calcium, can increase the risk of kidney stones.
Why are you prone to fractures as you age?
According to experts, the risk of falls and fractures increases as you age since the bone stock has already peaked in your 20s and 30s. And so, with ageing, your bone quality begins to lower and if you fall, you would be more inclined to get a fracture.
Also, due to ageing, mobility also becomes more difficult due to conditions like osteoarthritis or other forms of arthritis, which slightly alters the way you walk.
How do vitamin D and calcium benefit?
Experts say findings do not suggest that there is no value to taking vitamin D and calcium—only that the combination is not good for preventing falls and fractures.
Apart from strengthening your bones, vitamin D and calcium are also important for your muscle and brain function. Doctors generally recommend that people obtain them through food rather than supplements, but supplements are an option for those who are not able to get enough from food, like:
- Those who have osteoporosis
- Those with issues absorbing some nutrients
- Those who eat diets low in calcium
- Those who do not spend time outdoors
- Those suffering from hyperparathyroidism or celiac disease
How can you lower the risk of falls and fractures?
Doctors say just having supplements may not be able to help you lower the risk of fractures and bone loss. For that, you must:
Take regular walks
You need to get out of your house more often. Regular walking not only helps build up muscle and bone strength but also restores balance.
Strength training
Weight-bearing exercises help build up bone strength,
Balancing exercises
Doing balance exercises like Tai-chi, Pilates, and yoga helps strengthen your bones.
Boost your protein
Having plenty of protein may help lower the risk of fractures and falls
Regulate sleep
It is important to get enough sleep because it can refresh and relax you, lowering the risk of falls.
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.
Our Blog
Read Our Latest Blog
Workaholic Doctor's Back Pain, Blamed on Work Stress Was Blood Cancer; Know the Symptoms
Acute myeloid leukemia or AML is a rare cancer that affects your bone marrow and blood An overworked...
Read More