Preventing falls and fractures is a key public health concern, as many older adults experience falls each year, increasing the risk of pain, reduced quality of life, and a greater need for care.
As a result, both health authorities and clinicians have focused for many years on potential preventive measures.
At the same time, the use of calcium and vitamin D supplements has increased significantly in several countries.
These products are still widely recommended as part of efforts to support bone health, even though previous studies have produced mixed findings regarding their effectiveness in preventing fractures and falls, according to SciTechDaily.
Also read: Most people with prediabetes may be able to reverse it: what the evidence shows
Major review
To assess the evidence more closely, Canadian researchers reviewed data from 69 randomized controlled trials involving a total of 153,902 adult participants.
The study, published in The BMJ, examined calcium supplementation alone, vitamin D supplementation alone, and a combination of the two, comparing them with placebo or no treatment.
The researchers also evaluated the quality of the studies and the risk of bias using established scientific methods.
Thresholds for what could be considered a clinically meaningful effect were defined in advance.
Also read: Your zero-sugar habit could be aging your brain faster than you realize
Recommendations challenged
Additional analyses showed that the results were consistent across different groups, including variations in age, sex, previous falls or fractures, and participants’ average dietary calcium intake.
However, the researchers emphasized that the findings do not necessarily apply to people with specific bone diseases or patients receiving treatment for osteoporosis.
The overall analysis ultimately found that neither calcium supplements, vitamin D supplements, nor the combination of the two produced any significant reduction in the risk of fractures or falls among most older adults.
Based on these findings, the researchers argue that existing general recommendations should be reconsidered, while experts point to exercise, balance training, and targeted fall-prevention measures as areas with stronger evidence of effectiveness.
Also read: Experts point to an overlooked cause of persistent bloating
Sources: SciTechDaily and The BMJ.
Also read: What your resting heart rate reveals about your risk of dying early