Indication: Fractures (in elderly)

Source: Lancet, May 7, 2005;365(9471):1621-8.

Research: Researchers recruited 5300 people aged 70 years or older, who had suffered a facture in the last 10 years, from 21 hospitals in the U.K. Participants were randomly assigned to take a daily supplement of vitamin D3, calcium, both or placebo, and were followed up for 24-62 months.

Results: Overall, 698 participants had a new fracture. The incidence of fracture did not differ between groups. Re­searchers concluded that giving people regular supplements of vitamin D and calcium to prevent secondary bone fractures is ineffective. The trial, however, did not investigate whether supplementation should be used for primary prevention or for those who live in a care-home environment.