Commonly-prescribed supplements ‘have no effect’ in preventing fractures in elderly people, review finds

Calcium and vitamin D supplements are ineffective at preventing falls and fractures in older people, a review has concluded.

Despite their common prescription on the NHS for those at risk of osteoporosis or fracture, and widespread public use for bone health, the comprehensive study found no evidence to support their regular intake specifically for this preventative measure.

Published in the British Medical Journal, the research, led by academics in Quebec, Canada, meticulously analysed 69 clinical trials encompassing 153,902 individuals.

Their investigation delved into the risk of any fracture, hip fractures, bone breaks occurring outside the spine, spinal fractures, and the overall frequency of falls.

The results showed that there was “little to no effect” on the risk of any fracture from taking calcium supplements, vitamin D supplements or both of them combined.

The team said almost a third of people aged 65 and over experience at least one fall every year.

“As much as 85% of older adults have a fear of falling because of a fall, contributing to reduced daily functioning and increased risk of subsequent falls,” they added.

“Furthermore, half of women and one fifth of men will sustain a low trauma fracture during their lifetime, often due to a fall.”

They acknowledged some of the trials were small and had few people, and said the results may not apply to people with specific bone disorders or to those receiving drug treatment for osteoporosis.

However, they concluded their findings “do not support routine supplementation with calcium or vitamin D, or combined supplementation to prevent fractures and falls” and they suggested doctors, guideline panels and regulatory agencies “should re-evaluate their general recommendations for calcium and vitamin D supplementation in light of current evidence.”

Read full story

Source: The Independent, 20 May 2026