Nutrition & DietMajor Review of 154,000 People Finds Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements Don't Prevent Fractures
A sweeping review published in The BMJ analyzed data from nearly 154,000 adults across 69 randomized controlled trials and found that calcium supplements, vitamin D supplements, or a combination of both provided little to no meaningful reduction in fractures or falls for most older adults. This challenges decades of widespread medical guidance recommending these supplements for bone health. The findings held even after accounting for age, sex, prior fractures, and dietary calcium intake. Researchers note the results may not apply to people with specific bone disorders or those on osteoporosis medications, but the consistency across subgroups strengthens the overall conclusion that routine supplementation offers minimal protective benefit for the general older adult population.
