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15 January 2010

Vitamin D and calcium reduce the risk of fractures

Taking vitamin D and calcium supplements could reduce your risk of a fracture (broken bone), according to new research.

The research, published in the BMJ, analysed the results of six studies. These looked at the risk of having a fracture and whether taking vitamin D with or without calcium changed that risk. More than 65,000 people, aged between 47 and 107, were included in the analysis; the majority were women.

The studies looked at people who were either taking vitamin D or a combination of vitamin D and calcium, and the number of fractures they had.

The results showed that people who took a combination of vitamin D and calcium were less likely to fracture a bone, compared to those who took no vitamin D or calcium. However, people who took a low dose of vitamin D alone did not reduce their risk of a fracture.

The researchers also found that the way in which the vitamin D was taken affected the results. If vitamin D was taken as a tablet, it helped to reduce the risk of a fracture. But if the vitamin D was given as an injection, it had no effect on the risk of breaking a bone.

Based on these results, the researchers suggest that taking at least 10µg (microgrammes) of vitamin D as well as 1,000mg (milligrammes) of calcium can help to reduce your risk of a fracture.

Ensuring you get enough calcium is particularly important, especially as you get older, to reduce your risk of osteoporosis.

Dr Virginia Warren, assistant medical director, Bupa

Dr Virginia Warren, assistant medical director at Bupa, commented on the research: "Taking between 37.5 and 50 micrograms of vitamin D each day can help to reduce your risk of certain cancers. This research shows that, when combined with calcium, vitamin D is also useful to reduce your risk of fractures. However, more studies are needed to find out exactly how much is likely to be beneficial.

"Ensuring you get enough calcium is particularly important, especially as you get older, to reduce your risk of osteoporosis. Doing high-impact exercise, where you support your own weight, is also good for strengthening your bones. You could go for a brisk walk or jog, or play a game of tennis."

Key facts
  • Vitamin D is found in oily fish, such as salmon, sardines or mackerel, and in fortified breakfast cereals. It is also produced naturally by your skin when it is exposed to sunlight.
  • Calcium is a mineral that helps to keep your bones healthy and prevent weakening of your bones.
  • Dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yoghurt, are an excellent source of calcium as are canned fish with bones, such as pilchards and sardines, or green leafy vegetables.
  • Osteoporosis literally means 'porous bones'. It is a condition where bones lose density, causing them to become weak and more likely to fracture.

Related information

Read the studies

Read the study: The Dipart Group. Patient level pooled analysis of 68 500 patients from seven major vitamin D fracture trials in US and Europe. BMJ; 340:b5463. doi: 10.1136/bmj.b5463 www.doi.org/faq.html#27

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