Supplementation with vitamin D and calcium in long-term care residents.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the role of calcium supplementation in enhancing the bone-protective effects of vitamin D in institutionalized older persons.
Results Summary
Calcium supplementation, when combined with vitamin D, enhances its effect on bone health. Optimal calcium intake is recommended at 1200-1500 mg per day, with supplementation offered to those with inadequate intake, though its use depends on tolerance, kidney stone history, and cardiovascular safety data.
Population
Institutionalized older persons, particularly long-term care residents.
Effective Dosage
1200-1500 mg per day (recommended intake)
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
vitamin D supplementation | decrease | vitamin D deficiency | long-term care residents | - | is highly recommended | #1 |
vitamin D supplementation | neutral | - | - | 800 IU per day | minimal effective dose is | #2 |
calcium supplementation | increase | bone | - | - | has shown to enhance the effect | #3 |
calcium supplementation | neutral | - | - | 1200-1500 mg per day | intake should be optimized | #4 |
Vitamin D deficiency is a common finding in institutionalized older persons. Vitamin D-deficient elderly persons are at higher risk of falls and fractures. Long-term care residents should be considered at high risk of vitamin D deficiency and therefore vitamin D supplementation is highly recommended in this population. The minimal effective dose is 800 IU per day. It is recommended that vitamin D supplementation should be implemented in all patients in residential aged care facilities. In addition to vitamin D, calcium supplementation has shown to enhance the effect of vitamin D on bone. Calcium intake should be optimized (1200-1500 mg per day recommended) and supplementation offered to those with inadequate intake. The addition of calcium depends on tolerance, history of kidney stones, and emerging data regarding its cardiovascular safety.