Study fails to support vit D, calcium for fracture protection

Daily supplements of vitamin D and calcium may not reduce the risk of fracture in postmenopausal women, says a new study.

A randomised controlled trial from scientists at the University of Kuopio in Finland found that a daily supplement of 800 IU vitamin D (cholecalciferol) and 1000 mg calcium did not statistically reduce the occurrence of fractures in women aged between 65 and 71.

According to findings published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, the risk of all fractures, fractures to the forearm, and fracture to any upper extremity reductions were reduced by 17, 30, and 25 per cent, respectively. However, none of these were statistically significant, added the Finnish researchers.

Source: Journal of Bone and Mineral Research

Published online ahead of print, doi: 10.1002/jbmr.48

“Effect of vitamin D3 and calcium on fracture risk in 65- to 71-year old women - a population-based 3-year randomized controlled trial: OSTPRE-FPS study”

Authors: K. Salovaara, M. Tuppurainen, M. Karkkainen, et al.