Review of 69 Trials Finds Calcium, Vitamin D Supplements Fail to Cut Fractures or Falls
Updated
Updated · SciTechDaily · Jun 2
Review of 69 Trials Finds Calcium, Vitamin D Supplements Fail to Cut Fractures or Falls
3 articles · Updated · SciTechDaily · Jun 2
Summary
69 randomized trials covering 153,902 adults found calcium, vitamin D, or both delivered little to no clinically meaningful reduction in overall fractures, hip fractures, or falls in most older adults.
High- to moderate-certainty evidence backed the result across 11 calcium trials, 36 vitamin D trials, and 15 combined-supplement trials, despite long-standing recommendations and rising prescribing.
Subgroup analyses showed the findings held across age, sex, prior fracture or fall history, and dietary calcium intake, though the review said results may not apply to people with certain bone disorders or those on osteoporosis drugs.
The BMJ review said the evidence does not support routine supplementation for fracture and fall prevention, and an accompanying editorial urged clinicians and guideline makers to shift attention toward proven measures such as balance training, resistance exercise, and home hazard assessment.
If supplements fail to prevent falls, what proven and affordable strategies should older adults adopt instead?
Why is new evidence overturning decades of medical advice on calcium and vitamin D for preventing fractures?
2026 Systematic Review Challenges Routine Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation for Fracture and Fall Prevention
Overview
A major systematic review and meta-analysis published in The BMJ in May 2026 analyzed data from 69 randomized controlled trials with nearly 154,000 older adults. The study found that routine calcium and vitamin D supplementation offers little to no meaningful benefit in preventing fractures or falls for most older adults. The evidence, considered moderate to high certainty, showed minimal impact across different groups, including age, sex, and fracture history. These findings challenge the long-standing practice of routine supplementation and suggest that current recommendations should be re-evaluated to focus on more effective prevention strategies.