14 DAY TRIAL // Latest studies conducted on older women show that calcium and vitamin D supplements are only effective against hip fractures, increasing bone density, but do not prevent other types of fractures.
The studies have been based on data collected from abut 36,000 postmenopausal women aged from 50 to 79 years. The women were divided into two groups, to females of one group being daily administered 1000 milligrams of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D; females of the second group took placebo.
The risk for hip fractures was reduced with 29% in comparison to the females who did not take supplements, but colorectal cancer risk was not influenced.
John Hathcock, from the Council for Responsible Nutrition, stated: "the studies showed disappointing outcomes inconsistent with the large body of scientific evidence and the prevailing wisdom about the beneficial effects of these two nutrients".
Calcium maintains the bones' health, while vitamin D helps with a better absorption of the supplement in the organism. However, at the same time, taking calcium plus vitamin D increased the risk for kidney stones. Previous researches have shown that the 2 substances might slow bone loss and reduces the risk of fractures for older women.
Joel S. Finkelstein, M.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital, declared "calcium with vitamin D supplementation is not enough to ensure optimal bone health. Clinicians and patients should be aware that even if a woman is receiving adequate calcium with vitamin D supplementation, she may still be at risk for fracture, particularly if she has low bone mineral density or other clinical risk factors."