A comprehensive review published in The BMJ has challenged the long-standing medical practice of prescribing routine calcium and vitamin D supplements to older adults. The study, which analyzed data from 69 randomized controlled trials involving over 150,000 participants, found little to no clinically meaningful benefit in preventing fractures or falls.
For years, these supplements have been widely recommended by health professionals as a primary defense against age-related bone density loss. However, the researchers found that even when accounting for factors such as age, sex, and baseline dietary intake, the supplements failed to provide significant protective effects. The findings were consistent across high-certainty evidence, suggesting that current clinical guidelines may require re-evaluation.
The study authors emphasize that these results specifically apply to the general population and do not necessarily extend to individuals diagnosed with specific bone disorders or those currently undergoing osteoporosis treatment. Experts suggest that rather than relying on supplements, public health efforts should focus on evidence-based fall prevention, such as resistance exercise, balance training, and home hazard assessments.