The link between vitamin D and a reduction in the risk of older adults suffering from a fall is the focus of the International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations' (IADSA) latest "Mind the Gap" resource.

The resource explains that falling is a risk factor for bone fractures among men and women aged 60 years and older. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are 37.3 million falls every year–more than 100,000 a day–that are serious enough to require attention.

Multiple factors can increase the risk of fall, including a lack of vitamin D. Scientists believe vitamin D improves muscle function, strength and body balance, which helps to reduce the risk of falling.

WHO and the U.S. National Institute on Aging both suggest that a lack of vitamin D could increase the risk of suffering a fracture as a result of a fall. The European Commission, meanwhile, has approved a health claim for vitamin D and a reduced risk of falling.

Simon Pettman, executive director of IADSA, commented, “The message of our latest Mind the Gap resource is simple: increasing vitamin D intake is a way to help older adults keep their bones strong and reduce the risk of suffering a fall. With many people becoming less active as a result of lockdowns and self-isolation, the central message of this new story is more important now than ever.”

Mind the Gap is an information resource created by IADSA. It facilitates the sharing of positive stories about the benefits that nutrition offers to consumers all over the world and society at large. It also seeks to fill gaps in our scientific knowledge, while promoting real-life examples of successful national nutrition programs.

For more information, visit iadsa.org.