A study found no evidence that Calcium and Vitamin D ( Cholecalciferol ) supplements reduce the risk of fractures of the hip in older women.

The investigators identified 3,314 women aged 70 and over and with one or more risk factors for hip fracture ( any previous fracture, low body weight ( < 58 kg), smoker, family history of hip fracture ).

The women were randomised into two groups.

The treatment group received advice from a practice nurse on how to reduce the risk of fracture and were given Calcium ( 1000 mg ) and vitamin D3 ( 800 IU ) tablets to take daily. The control group received only a leaflet on diet and prevention of falls.

All women were monitored for an average of two years.
After a median follow-up of 25 months, clinical fracture rates were lower than expected but did not significantly differ between the groups.

There was no evidence that supplements reduced the risk of fractures or falling, or improved quality of life.

Source: British Medical Journal, 2005


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