Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements Found Ineffective in Preventing Fractures in the Elderly

For years, calcium and vitamin D supplements have been widely promoted as an easy way for older adults to protect their bones and prevent falls. However, a massive new review involving nearly 154,000 people has found that calcium, vitamin D, or a combination of both offer little to no meaningful protection against fractures or falls for most elderly individuals. The comprehensive review, published in The BMJ, analysed data from 69 randomised controlled trials. These studies compared the effectiveness of calcium, vitamin D, or combined supplements against a placebo or no treatment at all. Falls are a major health issue among the elderly, with nearly one in three people aged 65 and over experiencing a fall each year, many of which result in fractures. Such injuries can lead to pain, reduced independence, and a drastic decline in quality of life. Despite previous research questioning their efficacy, vitamin D and calcium supplements continue to be widely recommended by healthcare providers and regulatory bodies, with prescription rates soaring in recent years. The latest analysis, however, showed consistent results across different groups. Researchers found little to no reduction in overall fracture risk from taking calcium, vitamin D, or a combination of both. The analysis also indicated no clear benefit in preventing specific fractures, such as hip fractures, or in reducing the incidence of falls. Based on the evidence, the authors concluded that their findings ‘do not support routine supplementation with calcium or vitamin D, or a combination of both, for preventing fractures and falls.’ They further suggested that clinicians, guideline panels, and regulatory bodies ‘should re-evaluate their general recommendations for calcium and vitamin D supplementation in light of the current evidence.’ In an accompanying editorial, the researchers recommended that resources and funding be redirected towards strategies proven to provide real benefits for older adults. These include balance exercises, resistance training, and personalised fall prevention programmes tailored to individual risk factors.