Research

Hormonal

Daily vitamin D supplementation of 800-1,000 IU improves balance and muscle strength in older adults, whereas lower doses or single large doses are less effective.

If you are over 60 and looking to maintain balance and muscle strength, ensure you are taking 800-1,000 IU of Vitamin D daily. Standard lower doses (like 400 IU) or taking it as a single large monthly shot may not provide these specific physical benefits. Consistency (daily dosing) appears more important than a single large dose.

GoodQualifiesHIGH confidence
Supplemental vitamin D with daily doses of 800 to 1,000 IU consistently demonstrated beneficial effects on strength and balance. An effect on gait was not demonstrated... All studies with daily doses of 800 IU or more demonstrated beneficial effects on balance and muscle strength.
Susan W. Muir et al. · Journal of the American Geriatrics Society · 2011

Why this rating

Based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials, though heterogeneity in study quality exists.

Source

Effect of Vitamin <scp>D</scp> Supplementation on Muscle Strength, Gait and Balance in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Susan W. Muir et al. · Journal of the American Geriatrics Society · 2011

DOI 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2011.03733.x

Meta-analysis · 13 studiesCited 471×
Read the paper
DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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