Vitamin D, Calcium Supplements May Not Lower Fracture Risk

“A key message which is not new but reinforced by this study is that menopausal women and older men with osteoporosis should not equate calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation with adequate treatment to reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures,” Kennel, who wasn’t involved in the study, says by email.

“Pretty much every guideline states that dietary calcium is the initial approach to obtaining adequate calcium, thus in that regard no changes to guidelines are needed,” Kennel says.

“Routine initiation of calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation in older women and men for prevention of fracture should not be advised,” Kennel added.

Reference

Zhao JG, Zeng XT, Wang J, et al. Association between calcium or vitamin D supplementation and fracture incidence in community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA. 2017 Dec 26;318(24):2466-2482. doi: 10.1001/jama.2017.19344.

Recent trials show this bisphosphonates can reduce subsequent hip fractures and mortality, while remaining cost effective.

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