Calcium and vitamin D supplements show little benefit for older adults' bones, major BMJ review finds
A major review published in The BMJ pooled 69 randomized controlled trials covering more than 153,000 adults and found calcium, vitamin D, or both offer little to no meaningful protection against fractures or falls in most older adults. The authors say clinicians and regulators s
A major review published in The BMJ pooled 69 randomized controlled trials covering more than 153,000 adults and found calcium, vitamin D, or both offer little to no meaningful protection against fractures or falls in most older adults. The authors say clinicians and regulators should re-evaluate current supplement recommendations. The findings may not apply to people with bone disorders or those on osteoporosis medication. The evidence against vitamin D was especially strong, drawn from 36 trials and over 90,000 participants, and the result held after accounting for age, sex, and past fractures. A linked editorial suggests funding may be better spent on proven steps like balance training and resistance exercise. Source: BMJ Group / The BMJ (2026;393:e088050).