NewsScienceDailyMillions take calcium and vitamin D for bone health. A major review finds little benefit
A major review of over 153,000 adults found calcium and vitamin D supplements do little to prevent fractures or falls in most older people, challenging common medical advice.
A sweeping review of more than 153,000 adults found that calcium and vitamin D supplements, alone or together, do little to prevent fractures or falls in most older people. Researchers say the findings challenge routine supplementation for prevention and point instead toward strategies such as balance and resistance exercise.
Canadian researchers reviewed 69 randomised trials involving 153,902 adults and found calcium and vitamin D supplements offer little protection against fractures or falls.
The evidence against vitamin D alone was rated high certainty, drawn from 36 trials involving over 92,000 participants, making it one of the strongest reviews on the topic.
The findings challenge routine recommendations from clinicians and guidelines, and researchers say the results should prompt a rethink of how these supplements are prescribed.
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