Vitamin D and muscle function

Based on recent meta-analyses, vitamin D in a dose of 700–800 IU per day could prevent about 35% of falls, and one-fourth of all hip and non-vertebral fractures in both ambulatory and institutionalized older persons. Optimal fracture prevention and best lower extremity function appears to be present at serum 25-hdroxyvitamin D levels (25-OHD) of at least 75 nmol/l (30 ng/ml). Today, a large part of the population is below this threshold. This article reviews the pathophysiologic pathways of fall prevention with vitamin D, and summarizes available evidence for optimal serum 25-OHD levels for muscle strength and function.