The International Alliance of Dietary Supplement Associations (IADSA) has released a ‘Mind the Gap’ information resource which discusses the benefits of vitamin D in relation to healthy ageing and reducing the risk of bone fractures.
The resource explains falling is a risk factor for bone fractures among men and women aged 60 years and older. According to the WHO, there are 37.3 million falls every year 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 US National Institute on Aging both suggest a lack of vitamin D could increase the risk of suffering a fracture as a result of a fall. The European Commission has also 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.”
The Mind the Gap information resource is designed to share positive stories about the benefits that nutrition offers to consumers. It also seeks to fill gaps in scientific knowledge, while promoting real-life examples of successful national nutrition programmes.
