February 21, 2006 Rochester, MN --
A recent study found that the ingestion of calcium and vitamin D supplements for older women offered only limited protection against broken bones. But older women are advised not to stop taking their daily supplements.
" As a general rule, we still recommend a daily intake of 1,500 milligrams of elemental calcium and 400 international units of vitamin D from diet and supplements,"
-- Dr. Todd Nippoldt, M.D., Mayo Clinic
In a study of more than 36,000 middle-aged and elderly women, daily calcium and vitamin D supplements slightly reduced bone thinning and reduced the risk of hip fractures. But the results weren't as promising as researchers had anticipated.
After an average of seven years, women who took the supplements scored only 1% higher on hipbone density tests than did women who took a placebo. The supplements reduced the risk of hip fractures by 12% , but offered no protection from spine or wrist fractures. For women age 60 and older — those most likely to experience hip fractures — the supplements reduced the risk of hip fractures by 21% .
Women Should Continue to Take Calcium Supplements
However, doctors are still advising women continue to take calcium supplements. Neurosurgeon Dr. Joseph C. Maroon says, "Vitamin D and calcium are essential in maintaining healthy bones and teeth. This fact is not disputable, and a large number of studies over many decades have shown vitamin D and calcium supplementation to be effective in building and maintaining healthy bones."
According to the Mayo Clinic, the findings from this study may be called into question because calcium intake from diet and other sources — in addition to the supplements given as part of the study — were not accounted for. This may have affected the study results.
According to Todd Nippoldt, M.D., an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., "Calcium continues to play an important role in bone health," and it seems reasonable to recommend that women consume the recommended daily levels of calcium and vitamin D through diet, supplements or both. Although calcium supplements alone may not provide adequate protection against osteoporosis, calcium remains an important part of a healthy diet for many women.
"As a general rule, we still recommend a daily intake of 1,500 milligrams of elemental calcium and 400 international units of vitamin D from diet and supplements," says Dr. Nippoldt. "However, these recommendations may vary depending on individual circumstances." You and your doctor can determine the appropriate intake of calcium and vitamin D in your specific situation.
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