Apparently, the elderly no longer need vitamin d and calcium supplements

The older, the bone maturity will decrease so that it is prone to porous and fracture. That's why many people who from young have been diligently taking vitamin D and calcium supplements to keep their bones strong. The habit of taking this supplement also continues into old age. There are also elderly people who have just started taking supplements to reduce their risk of osteoporosis. In fact, experts reveal that the elderly no longer need to take supplements to prevent fractures. Why is that? Check out the following reviews.

Vitamin D and calcium supplements are not effective at preventing fractures in the elderly

Vitamin D and calcium are two important nutrients needed to maintain bone strength. Both of these nutrients can be obtained from foods rich in vitamin D and calcium sources, as well as in the form of supplements that are more practical.

According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people aged 70 years and over tend to experience a decrease in their ability to produce vitamin D by up to 75 percent. This is why the elderly are encouraged to take vitamin D and calcium supplements to prevent fractures and the risk of falls.

On the other hand, a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) revealed that adults nowadays don't have to bother taking these supplements anymore. This is because vitamin D and calcium supplements are considered to have no significant effect on preventing the risk of hip fracture in the elderly.

This study involved 51 thousand elderly who live in the community (not in nursing homes, hospitals, or other institutions). The result, there was no significant difference between the risk of fractures in the elderly who diligently took calcium and vitamin D supplements with the elderly who took placebo pills (empty pills).

Taking vitamin D and calcium supplements can actually cause health problems in the elderly

Until now, experts have not found enough evidence to suggest that vitamin D and calcium supplements are beneficial for preventing fractures in premenopausal men or women. Although the elderly have been given daily supplementation with 400 IU of vitamin D and 1,000 mg of calcium, this is not enough to reduce the risk of fractures in old age.

Any medicine, including vitamins, can be harmful to your health if you don't take it as directed. Alex H. Krist, MD, a professor at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, told Everyday Health that regularly taking vitamin D supplements can have serious side effects, especially when combined with calcium supplements.

A number of studies have shown that taking low doses of vitamin D and calcium supplements at the same time can increase the risk of fractures, some types of cancer, and premature death. Even in low doses it can be dangerous, especially with high doses of supplements (800 IU of vitamin D and 1,200 mg of calcium) which can increase the risk of disease.

However, the intake of vitamin D and calcium still plays an important role in increasing bone mass and preventing fractures, especially in young people. So, the elderly may take vitamin D and calcium supplements, as long as they have received a recommendation from a doctor.

So, how do you maintain the strength of the bones of the elderly?

There are many ways that can be taken to meet the daily needs of vitamin D and calcium in the elderly. Indeed, taking supplements is more practical. However, it is advisable for the elderly to improve their healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly, eating a balanced nutritious diet, and getting enough sun exposure.

Yes, exercise is more effective in preventing the risk of falling in seniors aged 65 years and over. This is evidenced by testing the balance, flexibility and endurance of the elderly after doing physical exercise three times per week. As a result, the elderly's immune system is stronger and reduces the risk of fractures and falls.

Maximize your efforts by eating calcium-rich foods such as milk, vegetables, fruit and nuts. Don't forget to take about 15 to 20 minutes of sunbathing every morning to get natural vitamin D intake for the body.