# Low Vitamin D Linked to Worse Recovery and More Falls After Stroke

*Low Vitamin D Status and Post-Stroke Depression, Falls, and Functional Recovery in Older Adults with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation-Associated Ischemic Stroke.*

- **Evidence Level**: Moderate
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article
- **Journal**: Clinical interventions in aging
- **Sample Size**: 802 stroke patients aged 65+ with atrial fibrillation
- **Authors**: Li L, Wang J, Kang R, Zhang T, Chen Z
- **Published**: 2026-07-28
- **Topics**: vitamin D, stroke recovery, falls
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S607805
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42542873/

## Summary

Older stroke patients with atrial fibrillation were tested for vitamin D within two days of their stroke. Those with lower levels had worse physical recovery three months later, more depressive symptoms, and a higher chance of falling over the next year. About 60 percent of them were below 20 ng/mL. This is a snapshot in time, so it does not prove that low vitamin D caused the poorer outcomes.

## Practical Takeaway

This study suggests vitamin D levels may be a useful signal of recovery risk after a stroke.

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_Canonical: https://longevity-germany.com/en/research/low-vitamin-d-linked-to-worse-recovery-and-more-falls-after-stroke · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-07-28_