Saturday, October 17, 2026 · Edition updated 6:00 AM ETSAT, OCT 17 · 6 AM ET editionNext edition in Next --:--:--
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Stay strong and mobile: balance and mobility

Walking, balance, falls and frailty. What people try, how far the research on each has got, and the products that contain them.

What people try

4ExerciseStage 4 · Widely recommended · Free, for almost everyoneExercise is anything that gets your body moving.Main risk: Using weight machines improperly can cause back injury.3Vitamin DStage 3 · Large studies in people · Over-the-counter supplementVitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin found in a few foods, added to others, sold as a supplement, and made by skin in sunlight.Main risk: Blood levels above 125 nmol/L (50 ng/mL) can be linked to harmful effects.2CreatineStage 2 · Small studies in people · Over-the-counter supplementCreatine is a compound stored in your muscles that supplies them with energy.Main risk: Creatine can cause weight gain because it tends to make the body hold water, but it is otherwise considered safe for healthy adults.

Products

Sorted by the best research stage of each product's ingredients, then by price. The stage describes research on the ingredient, not proof that the product works.

Supplements 17

Nature Made · softgelVitamin D3 2000 IU (50 mcg) SoftgelsVitamin D3 Ingredient research: large studies in people$10.99Nature Made · tabletVitamin D3 2000 IU (50 mcg) TabletsVitamin D3 Ingredient research: large studies in people$11.29Nature Made · gummyVitamin D3 2000 IU (50 mcg) GummiesVitamin D3 Ingredient research: large studies in people$11.69ProHealth Longevity · capsuleVitamin D3 + K2 - 5,000 IU, 30 capsulesVitamin D3 Ingredient research: large studies in people$16.95Nature Made · gummyZero Sugar Vitamin D3 GummiesVitamin D3 Ingredient research: large studies in people$18.99Thorne · capsuleVitamin D-5,000 - NSF Certified for Sport - 60 ServingsVitamin D3 Ingredient research: large studies in people$20Thorne · liquidVitamin D + K2 LiquidVitamin D3 Ingredient research: large studies in people$34Thorne · capsuleVitamin D-5,000 - NSF Certified for Sport - 120 ServingsVitamin D3 Ingredient research: large studies in people$39Optimum Nutrition · powderMicronised Creatine PowderCreatine2 Ingredient research: small studies in people$14.99Optimum Nutrition · gummyCreatine [+]Creatine2 Ingredient research: small studies in people$16.99Optimum Nutrition · powderMicronized Creatine PowderCreatine2 Ingredient research: small studies in people$20.49ThorneCreatine - Travel PacksCreatine2 Ingredient research: small studies in people$36MomentousCreatine - 90 ServingsCreatine2 Ingredient research: small studies in people$42.99ThorneCreatine - 90 ServingsCreatine2 Ingredient research: small studies in people$44ProHealth Longevity · powderLongevity Creatine Pure Powder - 450 gramsCreatine2 Ingredient research: small studies in people$49.95Elysium HealthCreatine+Creatine2 Ingredient research: small studies in people$70ThorneCreatine - 180 ServingsCreatine2 Ingredient research: small studies in people$84

Recent research

Summary of earlier studies

Tiny particles and microRNAs may link exercise to brain aging

This review looks at small molecules carried in body fluids that may help exercise affect the aging brain.

New trial

Study compares muscle tiredness in younger and older adults and tests strength training

Researchers plan to compare younger and older adults to learn why leg muscles tire faster with age.

New trial

Can light weight training with blood flow limits help colon cancer survivors with muscle loss?

This is a trial plan that has not reported results yet.

Trial in 240 adults aged 50 or older with sarcopenia, at six hospitals in Beijing

Testing a traditional Chinese exercise against resistance training for muscle loss

This is a plan for a study, and it has not started recruiting people yet.

Trial in 50 adults aged 52 to 65

Testing balance and walking after a 4-week AI-guided exercise program

This study plans to check balance, walking, and brain activity before and after 4 weeks of exercise.

See all the latest research →

What others are writing

Recent articles from health journalists, hospitals and universities. We link to them; we don't write or endorse them.

NPR · Maria Godoy · Sep 1, 2025

Influencers tout the benefits of creatine supplements. Is it healthy or all hype? ↗

Creatine: NPR reports that creatine supplements have strong evidence for adding lean muscle when combined with resistance training, though brain benefits need more research.

Cleveland Clinic · Kate Patton, MEd, RD, CSSD, LD · Jul 17, 2024

Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss? ↗

Creatine: The article says creatine probably does not cause hair loss, though a small study reported DHT increases that others could not reproduce.

health.harvard.edu · Howard E. LeWine, MD · Mar 20, 2024

What is creatine? Potential benefits and risks of this popular supplement ↗

Creatine: The article explains that creatine may enhance athletic performance and is generally safe at 3 to 5 grams daily, with caveats about supplement regulation.

This is general information gathered from the sources listed, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before starting anything new.