Effect of isolated vitamin D supplementation on the rate of falls and postural balance in postmenopausal women fallers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Objective: To evaluate the effect of isolated vitamin D supplementation (VITD) on the rate of falls and postural balance in postmenopausal women fallers. Methods: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 160 Brazilian younger postmenopausal women were randomized into two groups: VITD group, vitamin D3 supplementation 1,000 IU/day/orally (n = 80) and placebo group (n = 80). Women with amenorrhea at least 12 months, age 50 to 65 years, and a history of falls (previous 12 months) were included. Those with neurological or musculoskeletal disorders, vestibulopathies, drugs use that could affect balance and osteoporosis were excluded. The intervention time was 9 months. Postural balance was assessed by stabilometry (computerized force platform) and investigation on the occurrence/recurrence of falls was performed by interviews. The plasma concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Statistical analysis was achieved by intention-to-treat, using analysis of variance, Student's t test, Tukey test, chi-square, and logistic regression. Results: After 9 months, mean values of 25(OH)D increased from 15.0 ± 7.5 ng/mL to 27.5 ± 10.4 ng/mL (+45.4%) in the VITD group, and decreased from 16.9 ± 6.7 ng/mL to 13.8 ± 6.0 ng/mL (−18.5%) in the placebo group (P 
Source: Menopause - Category: OBGYN Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research