Vitamin D and calcium may not support bone health as much as thought: study – National
A comprehensive review published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) is challenging the long-held belief that calcium and vitamin D supplements are effective in preventing falls and bone fractures.
The research, which took the form of a review and meta-analysis, examined data from 69 trials conducted between 2014 and February 2025. The study analyzed a total of 153,902 participants, the majority of whom lived in communities.
Notably, 73 per cent of the participants were not considered to be at high risk for fractures or falls. The findings indicate that, based on clinically meaningful thresholds and absolute risk reductions, there were little to no benefits from using calcium, vitamin D, or a combination of both to prevent these outcomes.
The Role of Targeted Treatment
Researchers noted that very few interventions have consistently shown a reduction in fracture risk with moderate or high certainty evidence, with the exception of drug treatments for osteoporosis and regular exercise.
Olivier Massé, a pharmacist with CIUSSS du Nord-de-l’île-de-Montréal and a study author, stated that these results align with a growing body of evidence from the last decade regarding routine supplementation in adults.
However, Massé emphasized that there are still valid reasons to take these supplements. These include the use of long-term corticosteroids, osteoporosis medication, recovery following bariatric surgery, and certain endocrine or bone diseases.
Understanding Vitamin D Sufficiency
David Goltzman, a professor of medicine and physiology at McGill University, explained that the necessity of supplements depends largely on an individual’s current levels. He noted that if a person is already vitamin D sufficient, additional calcium and vitamin D are generally unnecessary.
Vitamin D is essential because the body cannot absorb calcium without it. However, Goltzman pointed out that most people are unaware of their sufficiency levels because they are not routinely checked.
Seasonal changes also influence these levels. Exposure to the sun increases in the summer and decreases during winter months, causing vitamin D levels to fluctuate, though not everyone becomes deficient during the winter.
Future Directions in Bone Health
The study and its authors suggest that future research may need to shift away from simple supplementation to evaluate other interventions for preventing falls, and fractures.
Potential areas for future investigation could include digital tools for fall prevention, behavioral or educational approaches, drug reviews, and dietary strategies. Multi-component interventions may also be explored, as Massé noted that many promising interventions remain understudied.
For general health, Goltzman recommends ensuring the consumption of foods rich in calcium and vitamin D and maintaining a regular exercise routine. He noted that medical requirements typically change once a person has a diagnosis or has suffered a fracture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do calcium and vitamin D supplements prevent fractures and falls for most adults?
The review found little to no clinically meaningful benefit from calcium, vitamin D, or combined supplementation for the prevention of fractures and falls in most adults.
Who should continue taking these supplements?
Supplementation remains indicated for those taking osteoporosis medication, individuals on long-term corticosteroids, those with certain endocrine or bone diseases, and patients following bariatric surgery.
How does the season affect vitamin D levels?
Vitamin D levels tend to fluctuate based on sun exposure, typically increasing in the summer and potentially decreasing during the winter months.
How do you currently balance your nutritional supplements with your daily exercise routine?