Association Between Calcium or Vitamin D Supplementation and Fracture Incidence in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Zhao JG, Zeng XT, Wang J, Liu L
Published in JAMA, Vol. 318 (24), pp. 2466-2482
Methodology
Systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis of randomised trials comparing calcium, vitamin D or both with placebo or no treatment in community-dwelling adults over 50, searched to July 2017. Primary outcome: hip fracture.
Key Findings
33 trials, 51,145 participants. Hip fracture: calcium RR 1.53 (95% CI 0.97 to 2.42), vitamin D RR 1.21 (0.99 to 1.47), calcium plus vitamin D RR 1.09 (0.85 to 1.39), none significant. No significant association with non-vertebral, vertebral or total fractures, consistent across dose, sex, fracture history, dietary calcium and baseline vitamin D.
Conclusions
Supplements containing calcium, vitamin D or both were not associated with fewer fractures in community-dwelling older adults; the authors do not support routine use in this group.
Limitations
Community-dwelling adults only, so it does not address care-home residents; trial-level pooling across varied doses and adherence.
Supplements Studied
There was no significant association of calcium or vitamin D with risk of hip fracture
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
Access Study
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.