New Advice Raises Questions About Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements for Preventing Falls and Fractures
A major new review has found that vitamin D and calcium supplements may do little to prevent falls and broken bones in most older adults living independently at home. The findings are leading experts to question whether these supplements should continue to be routinely recommended for everyone.
The research, published in The BMJ, looked at data from 69 clinical trials involving more than 153,000 adults. Researchers found that taking vitamin D alone, calcium alone, or both together had “little to no effect” on reducing falls or fractures in the general older population.
Falls remain a major concern in health and social care. Around one in three adults aged over 65 experiences at least one fall each year, and fractures such as broken hips can have a serious impact on independence, mobility, and overall wellbeing.
However, experts have stressed that the findings do not apply to everyone. People who have osteoporosis, vitamin deficiencies, certain medical conditions, or who have been specifically prescribed supplements by a doctor may still benefit from taking them.
Health professionals are advising people not to stop taking prescribed vitamin D or calcium supplements without first speaking to their GP, pharmacist, or healthcare team.
The review also highlights that other measures may be more effective in preventing falls and fractures, including:
- Regular strength and balance exercises
- Staying physically active
- Eating a healthy balanced diet
- Having eyesight and medication reviews
- Making homes safer to reduce trip hazards
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to recommend a wider approach to fall prevention, including exercise, medication checks, and osteoporosis screening where appropriate.
Researchers say more work is needed to understand which groups of people may still benefit most from supplements, particularly those at higher risk of bone problems or living in residential care settings.