Fall Prevention Support Protocol
Primary Stack
Core supplements with strongest evidenceImproves muscle strength and reduces fall risk in deficient individuals
Supporting Studies (1)
Supports bone health; combined with vitamin D reduces fracture risk
Supporting Studies (1)
Supporting Stack
Additional supplements for enhanced resultsSupports muscle mass maintenance; sarcopenia increases fall risk
Supporting Studies (1)
May support muscle health and reduce inflammation
Supporting Studies (1)
May support muscle strength in combination with resistance training
Supporting Studies (1)
How This Protocol Works
Simple Explanation
Falls are a major cause of injury, disability, and death in older adults. Prevention involves addressing multiple risk factors.
FALL RISK FACTORS:
KEY PREVENTION STRATEGIES:
EXERCISE IS MOST IMPORTANT:
MEDICATIONS TO REVIEW:
* Vitamin D is proven to reduce falls.
* Exercise is the most effective intervention.
* Multifactorial approach works best.
Expected timeline: Vitamin D effects seen over 2-3 months. Strength gains from exercise take 8-12 weeks. Fall reduction seen with consistent intervention.
Clinical Perspective
Fall Prevention: Multifactorial approach most effective. USPSTF: exercise interventions recommended for community-dwelling adults ≥65. Vitamin D supplementation for those with deficiency or at risk.
Key interventions: Exercise (balance, strength, tai chi) has strongest evidence. Vitamin D (800 IU minimum) reduces falls in deficient individuals - evidence mixed for vitamin D replete. Medication review (especially psychotropics, antihypertensives). Home safety assessment. Vision correction. Multifactorial assessment for recurrent fallers. Supplements: vitamin D primary; protein and creatine support muscle mass.
* Vitamin D (A-grade): Fall reduction. Meta-analysis: (PMID: 28202713). 800-2000 IU daily.
* Calcium (A-grade): Bone health. Systematic review: (PMID: 27840029). 1000-1200mg daily.
* Protein (B-grade): Muscle mass. Systematic review: (PMID: 28698222). 1.0-1.2g/kg/day.
* Omega-3 (C-grade): Muscle health. Review: (PMID: 27840029). 2-3g EPA+DHA daily.
* Creatine (B-grade): Strength. Meta-analysis: (PMID: 28615996). 3-5g daily.
Protocol notes: Risk assessment: history of falls, gait/balance, medications, vision, cognition, home hazards. Exercise prescription: balance and strength training; tai chi excellent; supervised initially. Vitamin D: test 25(OH)D if risk factors; supplement if <30 ng/mL. Medications: deprescribe where possible; taper psychotropics. Vision: cataract surgery reduces falls. Footwear: avoid high heels, floppy slippers. Hip protectors: consider for high-risk in care facilities. Post-fall: evaluate for injury, cause, and implement prevention.