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Vitamin D and calcium supplements may not protect against bone fractures, large new study suggests

A large systematic review suggests that calcium and vitamin D supplements do not significantly reduce the risk of falls or fractures in most adults. The findings challenge decades of standard bone health advice. Experts indicate that pills alone cannot build healthy bones.

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A new meta-analysis of 69 clinical trials challenges the effectiveness of routine calcium and vitamin D supplementation.

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  1. Major Review Finds Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements Provide Little Bone Protection

    A large systematic review suggests that calcium and vitamin D supplements do not significantly reduce the risk of falls or fractures in most adults. The findings challenge decades of standard bone health advice. Experts indicate that pills alone cannot build healthy bones.

    What's confirmed:

    • A systematic review and meta-analysis published in The BMJ analyzed 69 clinical trials involving more than 153,000 adults.
    • Vitamin D supplements, calcium supplements, or a combination of both offered little to no meaningful benefit in preventing fractures or falls in most adults.
    • Calcium supplementation alone has little or no effect on reducing fractures and falls.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Weight-bearing exercise is a strategy with stronger support for bone health.
    • Strength training and protein matter more for bone protection than supplements.
    • Approximately one in four people in the United States are affected by the public health crisis of bone fractures and falls.
    confidence 95%