Gait and posture disorders are very frequently found in subjects aged
65 and more, at prevalence between 25 and 30%. These are frequently caused by neuromuscular and cognitive disorders.

Number of studies have shown that 1) Vitamin D deficiency is frequent in subjects aged over 65, and can even reach 80% in the women of that group; 2) subjects suffering from Vitamin D deficiency present lower muscular, gait and execution performances, and become less able more rapidly than non-Vitamin D-deficient subjects; and 3) taking Vitamin D, combined with Calcium or not, may increase muscular force and cognitive performances. These “non-skeletal” effects of vitamin-calcic supplements are partially dependent on the initial levels of Vitamin D deficiency. The greater the deficiency, the more notable the supplements’ effects.

• To study the relationship between serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and variations in gait, posture and executive function performance, before and after oral vitamin-calcic supplementation.

The design is a monocentre, randomized, controlled, single-blinded, superiority trial with intention-to-treat, comparing 2 groups: the first group (Intervention) would consume two cups of yogurt supplemented with Vitamin D3 and Calcium every day (resulting in a daily intake of 400 UI of Vitamin D3 and 800 mg of Calcium); and the second group (Control) would consume two equivalent, but non-Vitamin D3 and Calcium-supplemented cups of yogurt, for 12 weeks.

This clinical trial has partially confirmed the initial hypothesis, as it has shown that the daily 400 UI dose of Vitamin D3 delivered by the two daily cups of yogurt, while not increasing them upright, as was first theorized, 1) stabilized 25OHD serum levels; and that 2) this aforementioned serum level stabilization is the reason for greater gait performance (more specifically for a lower variability in basic gait), and overall cognitive performance. The Control group, on the other hand, saw a reduction in 25OHD serum levels over the same period and a subsequent degradation of motor and cognitive performances.

The greater gait, posture, muscular and executive performances displayed after consuming two cups of yogurt a day could reduce fall risks experienced by women older than 65 years and suffering from Vitamin D deficiency.

Angers CHU (France)

Angers University

Faculty of Medicine, McGill University

Yoplait France

General Mills Group (USA)