Calcium and vitamin D supplements are commonly recommended to support bone health and help prevent falls and fractures. However, a Canadian study published in The BMJ found that these supplements, whether taken alone or in combination, provide little to no clinically meaningful benefit for most older adults.
Nearly one-third of adults aged 65 and older fall each year, often resulting in fractures that can cause pain, reduced quality of life, functional impairment, loss of independence, and even death. Preventing falls and fractures is, therefore, a global public health priority.
To assess whether calcium, vitamin D, or their combination reduces the risk of falls and fractures, researchers reviewed 69 randomised controlled trials involving around 1.5 lakh adults and compared supplementation with placebo or no treatment.
The researchers found that calcium supplements, vitamin D supplements, and combined supplementation had little to no effect on the risk of any fracture. Similarly, these supplements had little to no effect on specific 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 prioritising proven strategies, such as balance and resistance exercise.
