In conclusion , we observed no improvement in muscle strength after the administration of vitamin D with or without calcium supplements .
We did find a small but significant deterioration of mobility .
BACKGROUND It has been suggested that vitamin D status or supplementation is important for maintaining or improving muscle strength and mobility in older adults .
The study results , however , do not provide consistent results .
We therefore aim ed to summarise the available evidence systematic ally , including only studies conducted in community-dwelling older persons .
The efficacy and safety of calcitriol and/or Caltrate D in elderly Chinese women with low bone mass
Abstract Aim : To observe the efficacy and safety of Rocaltrol ( calcitriol ) and /or Caltrate D ( calicum carbonate plus vitamin D ) in elderly Chinese women with osteopenia or osteoporosis . Methods : One hundred fifty Chinese women aged over 65 years with osteopenia or osteoporosis from three centers were r and omly divided into two groups . Seventy-six participants received Caltrate D as one pill daily ; the other 74 participants received 0.25 μg Caltrate D plus Rocaltrol daily . The changes in bone mineral density ( BMD ) served as primary end-points . Height changes , the presence of new vertebral fractures , muscle strength and balance were evaluated . Results : The following are the mean percentage changes ( and SD ) in BMD over 12 months : at L2-L4 , 0.83±3.88 in the Caltrate D group and 2.84±4.04 in the Rocaltrol+Caltrate D group ( P=0.003 , by ANCOVA ) ; at the femoral neck , 0.04±3.94 in the Caltrate D group and 2.01±5.45 in the Rocaltrol+Caltrate D group ( P=0.085 , by ANCOVA ) ; and in the trochanter , 1.59±4.57 in the Caltrate D group and 3.76±6.25 in the Rocaltrol+Caltrate D group ( P=0.053 , by ANCOVA ) . The st and and maximal forward reach test ( SMFRT ) was significantly enhanced in both groups during the 12 months of treatment , but no significant differences were found between these two groups . No severe adverse event related to these medications occurred throughout the study . Conclusion : Treatment with Rocaltrol plus Caltrate D or Caltrate D for 12 months in elderly Chinese postmenopausal women  effectively increased BMD at the lumbar spine . Rocaltrol plus Caltrate D was more effective at the lumbar spine than Caltrate D alone
In conclusion , we observed no improvement in muscle strength after the administration of vitamin D with or without calcium supplements .
We did find a small but significant deterioration of mobility .
BACKGROUND It has been suggested that vitamin D status or supplementation is important for maintaining or improving muscle strength and mobility in older adults .
The study results , however , do not provide consistent results .
We therefore aim ed to summarise the available evidence systematic ally , including only studies conducted in community-dwelling older persons .