Micronutrients & recovery
Vitamin D supplementation, particularly when combined with calcium, reduces hip and non-vertebral fracture risk in elderly institutionalized populations, likely through improved neuromuscular function rather than solely bone mineral density changes.
For elderly individuals, especially those in care facilities or with limited sun exposure, daily supplementation with 800 IU of Vitamin D and 1200 mg of Calcium significantly reduces the risk of hip and other fractures. This benefit appears to come partly from improved muscle function and balance, not just stronger bones.
In the largest trial of its kind, 3270 women aged 86 (SD6) years in French nursing homes were randomised to 1200 mg calcium and 800 IU (20 mg) vitamin D per day or placebo... After 3 years the incidence of hip fractures in the treated group was 29% lower ( P < 0.01) and of all non-vertebral fractures 24% lower ( P < 0.01), than in the placebo group.
Why this rating
Based on large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with significant fracture endpoints, though results vary by population status.
Source
Diet, nutrition and the prevention of osteoporosis
Ann Prentice · Public Health Nutrition · 2004
DOI 10.1079/phn2003590
More from this paper
- Bone Mineral Density (BMD) is an imperfect predictor of fracture risk because it fails to account for bone size, geometry, quality, and turnover rates, leading to potential misinterpretation of intervention efficacy.Strong
- Calcium supplementation reduces fracture risk in populations with low baseline calcium intake, but provides no additional skeletal benefit or fracture reduction in populations with adequate or high customary intake.Good
Related findings · Micronutrients & recovery
- Trans fats (industrial trans-fatty acids) are unequivocally harmful and should be completely avoided as they raise LDL-C, TGs, and Apo B while lowering HDL-C.Strong
- For menopausal women with osteoporosis, first-line pharmacologic therapies include alendronate, risedronate, zoledronic acid, and denosumab for the prevention of hip, nonvertebral, and vertebral fractures.Strong
- Folic acid fortification of flour prevents neural tube birth defects, and mandatory fortification is more effective than voluntary supplementation alone.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →