Vitamin D Supplements Won't Build Bone Health in Older Adults

A study published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology disputes the assumption that vitamin D supplements improve bone health and stave off osteoporosis in older adults, reports HealthDay News . The researchers reviewed earlier studies noting that neither high nor low doses of vitamin D supplements prevented fractures or falls, or improved bone density. Persons at risk of vitamin D deficiency include those with little or no sun exposure, such as nursing community residents who are indoors all the time, or those who always cover their skin when outside, says the University of Aberdeen's Alison Avenell. The team reviewed 81 studies, most of which dealt with vitamin D alone, not in conjunction with calcium. "Calcium supplements on their own have minimal effect on bone mineral density and fracture, and may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease," Avenell notes. The only indication that both calcium and vitamin D prevent fractures came from a trial of nursing community residents with very low vitamin D levels. The meta-analysis found no meaningful effect of vitamin D supplements in terms of reducing any fracture, hip fractures, or falls. Avenell believes the study's findings should inform revised guidelines recommending vitamin D supplements for bone health.