According to a new Finnish study, neither vitamin D supplementation nor exercise worked to reduce the risk of falls among elderly women, WebMD reported.
However, the study found that by engaging in regular exercise, older women reduced the risk of serious injury as a result of falling by more than half.
Kirsti Uusi-Rasi, lead author of the study, said, "Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries and fractures in older adults -- head injuries and fractures being the most severe consequences."
She further said, "Therefore, falls prevention is important when trying to prevent injuries."
The researchers recruited 400 women aged between 70 and 80 years. None of the participants were deficient in vitamin D before the study. Scientists divided the participants into four groups: an exercise group, a vitamin D and exercise group, a vitamin D group and a group that neither took vitamin D nor exercised.
The subjects taking vitamin D were asked to take a daily dosage of 800 IUs. Participants in the exercise group exercised in a class setting under the direction of physical therapists. They exercised twice a week for the first year and once a week during the second year. Focus was given on improving movement, balance, the ability to lift weight, agility and strength.
Over the course of two years, it was found that the risk for falling was more or less equal across all groups. However, supervised physical training was tied to a reduced risk for serious injury when falls did occur.
The study suggested that exercise appeared to be more effective in decreasing injurious falls in this age group, with or without vitamin D supplements.
Contrastingly, vitamin D supplements were not associated with a reduced risk for serious injury, whether taken in combination with exercise or alone. However, according to the study, Vitamin D supplements helped maintain bone density in certain areas. The study was published in the March online issue of JAMA Internal Medicine.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, physical activity also reduces the risk of developing diabetes, colon cancer and high blood pressure. In addition, physical activity helps maintain healthy bones and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety.