Nutraceutical: Vitamin D
 

Indication: Fractures in adults
 

Source: NEJM, July 5, 2012;[Epub ahead of print]
 

Research: The meta-analysis, “A Pooled Analysis of Vitamin D Dose Requirements for Fracture Prevention,” included participant-level data from 11 double-blind, randomized, controlled trials of oral vitamin D supplementation (daily, weekly, or every 4 months), with or without calcium, as compared with placebo or calcium alone in persons 65 years of age or older. More than 90% of the study subjects were women.

Results: Reduction in the risk of fracture was shown in the groups taking 800 IU or more (up to 2000 IU), with a 30% reduction in the risk of hip fracture and a 14% reduction in the risk of any non-vertebral fracture. These significant benefits were observed in people who were assigned to take vitamin D and who actually took 800 IU or more of vitamin D. The analysis shows that persons who are most vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency—especially women 65 years of age or older with low baseline levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D—benefit from vitamin D supplementation at levels of 800 IU and above.