Take vitamin D and calcium for bone health

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Vitamin D does not lower the risk of bone fractures unless it’s taken with calcium, a new study reports.

Previous research on vitamin D’s effects have been conflicting. Some studies have found supplements reduce the risk of fractures while others haven’t. Researchers in Denmark analyzed seven studies on the question. The studies included a total of 68,517 people whose average age was 70. The study concluded that vitamin D given alone in doses of 10 to 20 micrograms per day is not effective in fracture prevention. But when calcium and vitamin D were given together the fracture rates were reduced. The analysis, however, compared vitamin D with no treatment or vitamin D plus calcium versus no treatment. There was no direct comparison of vitamin D alone and vitamin D plus calcium.

Other research also suggests that the combination of vitamin D and calcium is the best approach. But the issue of supplements for bone health isn’t settled. A different meta-analysis, published last year, found that doses of Vitamin D of 400 international units (about 10 micrograms) per day prevented non-vertebral fractures. And the authors of the new study, published in the British Medical Journal, acknowledge that additional vitamin D studies are needed, especially examining higher doses.

-- Shari Roan