Many people, especially older people, take calcium and vitamin D supplements to keep their bones strong. A new study published in The BMJ finds no significant evidence that, for most older people, these supplements reduce the risk of fractures or of falls caused by losing balance, Prothom Alo reports, citing ScienceDaily.
The researchers analysed data from 69 controlled trials involving 153,902 adults. Calcium alone made no significant difference to the overall risk of fracture, and vitamin D alone gave the same result. Even taken together, the two showed no significant benefit in reducing fractures or falls; the analysis took account of age, sex, previous fractures and previous falls.
Calcium is one of the main building blocks of bone, and vitamin D helps the body absorb it. Many doctors, health guidelines and regulators recommend the supplements, and their use has grown in recent years. Earlier reviews had already found that either alone does not cut fracture risk, while results for the two combined had been mixed.
The researchers caution that the findings may not apply to everyone. People with particular bone diseases or under treatment for osteoporosis may need something different, so no one should stop a regularly taken supplement without a doctor's advice. In their view, routine recommendations of calcium or vitamin D for everyone should be reconsidered, with measures chosen by age, physical condition and level of risk.
To cut the risk of falls the study stresses exercise, especially to improve balance and muscle strength, as well as identifying hazards at home and dealing with them. The report was written by Humaira Mahjabin.
Source: Prothom Alo
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