A review of research by the health experts found no dose of vitamin D with or without calcium was useful in preventing falls and fractures, one expert said.
The article from MSN discusses a recent health panel's findings on the effectiveness of vitamin D and calcium supplements in preventing falls and bone fractures. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concluded that there is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against the routine supplementation of these nutrients in community-dwelling adults without a history of fractures or known vitamin D deficiency. This conclusion was drawn after reviewing studies that showed mixed results; some indicated benefits in specific populations, like older adults or those with low dietary intake, while others found no significant impact. The panel emphasized the need for more definitive research to clarify these effects, particularly in diverse populations. They also noted potential risks associated with high doses of these supplements, such as kidney stones from excessive calcium intake. The USPSTF's draft recommendation statement suggests that while these supplements might help certain individuals, broad recommendations for the general population cannot be made at this time.