Falling is a part of growing older. As we age we are more susceptible to losing our balance and falling. In fact, a study showed that over 75% of those that are 65 years of age or older will experience a fall in their lifetime. While many health care providers might recommend yoga or other balance strengthening exercises to prevent falls there might be another alternative medicine that can help prevent elderly people from falling. Vitamin D.

A research analysis published in the Annals of Internal Medicine looked at the concept of taking vitamin D supplements to prevent falls. Vitamin D has look been known as the sunshine vitamin because it helps increase hormones in the body and also leads to stronger muscle mass. It is believed that the stronger muscle mass helps to prevent falls in elderly patients.

The research analysis took 61 studies that have been conducted involving vitamin D and elderly patients. Of those studies it showed that 17% of the people involved in the study were able to prevent falls or lowered their risk for falling as they aged.

With this study’s finding it is believed that those that use vitamin D to supplement their diet will lower their risks of falling and suffering extreme disability from their falls. It is recommended that people take vitamin D supplements because vitamin D is hard for the body to maintain on its own. While vitamin D can be obtained from the sun, milk and fish the body will often sift it out or not get adequate amounts in the body to prevent falls. A simple vitamin D tablet daily could decrease your risk of falling.