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

Author(s)

Cangussu, Luciana Mendes ^[1] ; Nahas-Neto, Jorge ^[1] ; Orsatti, Claudio Lera ^[1] ; Poloni, Priscila Ferreira ^[1] ; Schmitt, Eneida Boteon ^[1] ; Almeida-Filho, Benedito ^[1] ; Petri Nahas, Eliana Aguiar ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Botucatu Med Sch, Dept Gynecol & Obstet, Distrito Rubiao Jr S-N, BR-18618970 Botucatu, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MENOPAUSE-THE JOURNAL OF THE NORTH AMERICAN MENOPAUSE SOCIETY; v. 23, n. 3, p. 267-274, MAR 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 11

Abstract

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 15.07.5ng/mL to 27.5 +/- 10.4 ng/mL (+45.4%) in the VITD group, and decreased from 16.9 +/- 6.7ng/mL to 13.8 +/- 6.0ng/mL (-18.5%) in the placebo group (P<0.001). The occurrence of falls was higher in the placebo group (+46.3%) with an adjusted risk of 1.95 (95% confidence interval {[}CI] 1.23-3.08) times more likely to fall and 2.80 (95% CI 1.43-5.50) times higher for recurrent falls compared to the VITD group (P<0.001). There was reduction in body sway by stabilometry, with lower amplitude of antero-posterior (-35.5%) and latero-lateral (-37.0%) oscillation, only in the VITD group (P<0.001).Conclusions:In Brazilian postmenopausal women fallers, isolated vitamin D supplementation for 9 months resulted in a lower incidence of falls and improvement in postural balance. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/14447-1 - The role of vitamin D on the rate of falls and the postural balance in postmenopausal women
• Grantee: Eliana Aguiar Petri Nahás
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants