Calcium and vitamin D supplements are usually recommended to support bone health and help prevent falls and fractures. But a Canadian study published in BMJ These supplements, whether taken alone or in combination, have been found to provide little or no clinical benefit for most older adults.
Nearly one-third of adults age 65 or older fall each year, often resulting in fractures that can cause pain, decreased quality of life, functional impairment, loss of independence, and even death. Therefore, preventing falls and fractures is a global public health priority.
To evaluate whether calcium and vitamin D or their combination reduces the risk of falls and fractures, researchers reviewed 69 randomized controlled trials that included about 1.5,000 adults and compared the supplements with a placebo or no treatment.
The researchers found that calcium supplements, vitamin D supplements, and combination supplements had no significant effect on the risk of any fracture. Likewise, these supplements had little or no effect on certain fractures, such as hip fractures.
However, these findings may not apply to people with certain bone disorders or those receiving treatment for osteoporosis.
The researchers concluded that the evidence “does not support routine supplementation with calcium or vitamin D, alone or in combination, to prevent fractures and falls.” Instead, they recommend prioritizing proven strategies, such as balance and resistance exercises.
