Uncertain Studies about Calcium

Recently, a new study tried to clarify the role of calcium and vitamin D in the protection of older women's bones. After following more than 30,000 post menopausal women for 7 years, the doctors realized that these two supplements have no strong effect against hip fractures; however, women with a daily diet consisting of the two substances showed a decrease of 29% when it comes to the risks of hip fractures.

Calcium and vitamin D still remain necessary for the bones' health, but, when it comes to women who past menopause, doctors must be consulted in order to clarify an effective treatment for the bones.

The studies puzzled doctors and women, who are now confused about what needs to be done in order to maintain a necessary level of health.

Dr. Marcia L. Stefanick, head of the study's steering committee, said that the studies are not clear and that the outcome was not as strong as everyone expected, the results still being debated.

The study does clarify that the women whose diets are not sufficient in calcium and vitamin D should take supplements.

Other findings of similar studies include that a low fat diet does not reduce the risk for breast cancer, colorectal cancer or heart disease, that estrogen does not increase the risk of heart disease for women who had hysterectomy and, after a study conducted on 30,000 women, no significant link was found between exercises and colon cancer risks.