Calcium alone or with vitamin D (from supplements)

Indication: Fractures

Source: The Lancet, August 2007; 370(9588):657-66. (meta-analysis)

Research: A team of investigators conducted a meta-analysis of 29 studies to explore the link between calcium and vitamin D supplements and bone health. There were nearly 64,000 people in total participating in these studies, most of which were women, and all were older than 50. The main outcomes were fractures of all types and percentage change of bone-mineral density from baseline.

Results: Researchers found that the risk of bone fractures fell 12% with calcium doses of more than 1200 mg and with vitamin D doses of 800 IU or more. Evidence supports the use of calcium, or calcium in combination with vitamin D supplementation, in the preventive treatment of osteoporosis in people aged 50 years or older.