New Study Questions Efficacy of Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements for Bone Health
Calcium and Vitamin D supplements taken by millions DON'T prevent painful bone fractures and falls, study finds - BMJ

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A comprehensive study published in the British Medical Journal reveals that calcium and vitamin D supplements do not significantly prevent fractures or falls in older adults. This challenges longstanding NHS recommendations for their routine use, suggesting a shift towards exercise and lifestyle interventions instead.
- 01The study analyzed 69 clinical trials involving over 153,900 adults, finding no meaningful benefits from calcium or vitamin D supplements.
- 02NHS England spends more than £111 million annually on vitamin D prescriptions, which have increased significantly since 2001.
- 03Calcium supplements showed little to no effect on fracture risk, and vitamin D alone also provided no meaningful benefits.
- 04Lead author Olivier Massé emphasized the need for the NHS to reassess its recommendations on these supplements.
- 05Experts suggest that funds currently spent on supplements would be better allocated to exercise programs that effectively reduce fracture risks.
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A landmark review published in the British Medical Journal has found that calcium and vitamin D supplements, commonly recommended for older adults to prevent bone fractures and falls, offer little to no benefit. The study, conducted by researchers from CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, analyzed 69 clinical trials involving over 153,900 adults and concluded that neither calcium nor vitamin D supplements effectively reduce fracture risk, even in individuals diagnosed with osteoporosis. This challenges the long-standing NHS guidance that encourages older adults to take these supplements. The NHS reportedly spends over £111 million annually on vitamin D prescriptions, a figure that has surged from £13 million in 2001. Experts argue that the funds could be better utilized in promoting exercise programs, which have demonstrated significant benefits for bone health. While some nutritionists caution against completely eliminating supplement recommendations, especially for those with severe deficiencies, the study's findings prompt a reevaluation of current public health guidelines regarding calcium and vitamin D supplementation.
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The findings could lead to a significant shift in public health recommendations, affecting how older adults manage their bone health.
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