Vitamin D Supplements Do Not Improve Bone Health, According To Major Study

By Tara John
(CNN) — Vitamin D supplements do not improve bone mineral density or prevent fractures or falls in adults, finds a large study that advises health professionals to stop recommending the supplements to most patients.
The vitamin has long been associated with a decreased risk of a number of conditions, such as osteoporosis and hypertension, in addition to keeping bones strong by helping the body absorb calcium — which is why many use it during the dark winter months.
But the study’s authors say there is “little justification” in doing so when it comes to bone health.
“Our meta-analysis finds that vitamin D does not prevent fractures, falls or improve bone mineral density, whether at high or low dose,” lead author Dr. Mark J. Bolland, associate professor at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, said in a statement.
The findings add to previous research suggesting that vitamin D supplements do not prevent disease for the majority.
The research, published in the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, analyzed data from 81 randomized controlled trials — involving more than 53,000 people — that studied whether the over-the-counter supplement helped in fractures, falls and bone density. Most studies included women over the age of 65.
The team concluded that vitamin D does not prevent fractures or falls, or have a meaningful effect on bone mineral density, concluding that there is little justification in taking them...

Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - October 5, 2018 Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Health – CBS Boston Tags: Health News Bone health CNN Vitamin D Source Type: news