According to a new study, the consumption of vitamin D and calcium supplements doesn't prevent bone fractures in older women.
It's been believed that vitamin D and calcium supplements work wonders for the bones, especially of older women. However, a new study suggests otherwise. According to a report from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the consumption of vitamin D and calcium supplements doesn't prevent bone fractures in older women. It is not sure whether they are beneficial for others either.
"Calcium and vitamin D are important in general health and bone health. For this recommendation, we review data on whether supplements of vitamin D and calcium can prevent fractures in addition to dietary intake," said Dr. Jessica Herzstein, a member of the Task Force.
Reuters reported that approximately 1.5 million Americans suffer fractures due to brittlleness each year. Most of these are women aged above 50 years and most of these breaks are linked to the bone-weakening disease, osteoporosis.
Chronic pain, early death, disability and increased risk of sickness are some of the consequences of broken bones which make them a serious issue, says the Task Force. Consequently, researchers found that the consumption of doses of vitamin D and calcium supplements below 400 international units and 1,000 milligrams are of no use to people, especially women above the age of 50.
"We're not saying don't take it, we're just saying we don't know enough right now," said Herzstein, who is in charge of employee health at Air Products in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
"We believe this recommendation is out of step with current research, and it really should not affect consumers who are trying to supplement their calcium and vitamin D intake with supplements," Cara Welch, senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs for the Natural Product Association in Washington, D.C., told Reuters.
