Calcium and Vitamin D: Impact is Less Than Expected for Bone Health and Preventing Osteoporosis

36,282 postmenopausal women ages 50 to 79 participated in the The Women's Health Initiative Calcium with Vitamin D (CaD) trial. Results revealed:

• 1% higher hip bone density for study participants taking calcium combined with vitamin D, compared to study participants taking placebo.

374 women had hip fractures during the trial with a fracture rate of 14 per 10,000 cases per year in the supplemented group, compared to 16 per 10,000 per year in the placebo group.

• 12% reduction in hip fracture in the supplemented group was not statistically significant.

Women who consistently took the full supplement dose experienced a 29% decrease in hip fracture. Women older than 60 had a 21% reduction in hip fracture.

• The supplements had no significant effect on spine or total fractures.

For maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis, these studies point out that Calcium and Vitamin D are not making a dramatic difference.

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