This conclusion was reached by the authors of an analysis published in the scientific journal *The BMJ*. Researchers examined the results of 69 randomized controlled trials published from 2014 to 2025, [reports](https://www.health.com/vitamin-d-calcium-falls-fractures-12017183) Health. These studies assessed how the intake of calcium, vitamin D, or their combination could prevent falls and fractures. The average age of participants was 71 years. Most of them lived independently and were initially not considered to be at high risk. ## What Scientists Found The analysis showed that taking only vitamin D or only calcium did not lead to a clinically significant reduction in the risk of falls or fractures. A somewhat different result was obtained with the combined intake of calcium and vitamin D. In people taking both supplements, the risk of fractures was approximately **9% lower**. The difference was statistically significant; however, researchers consider this effect to be small. At the same time, the authors emphasize an important limitation: the studies predominantly involved relatively healthy elderly individuals. Therefore, the results obtained cannot be automatically generalized to patients with osteoporosis, significant vitamin D or calcium deficiency, and a high risk of fractures. ## Why Calcium and Vitamin D Were Recommended in the First Place For many years, doctors operated under a completely understandable logic. Insufficient calcium intake and low vitamin D levels were associated with deteriorating bone health. Vitamin D is necessary for the body, including for the normal absorption of calcium, and calcium is one of the key elements of bone tissue. Therefore, the combination of these two substances seemed an obvious way to prevent age-related bone weakening. However, many early studies were observational and could not prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Later studies began to show that the preventive effect of supplements might be significantly more modest than previously thought. That is why American experts previously recommended against the routine prescription of calcium and vitamin D to most people over 60 solely for the purpose of preventing falls and fractures. ## Does This Mean That Calcium and Vitamin D Are Not Needed? No. The study does not question the importance of these substances for the body. Both calcium and vitamin D are essential for maintaining bone health. Their deficiency can over time contribute to a decrease in bone mass and the development of osteoporosis. Depending on age and sex, adults require approximately **1000–1200 mg of calcium and 600–800 international units of vitamin D per day**. At the same time, specialists recommend obtaining calcium primarily from food sources whenever possible. Its sources include dairy products, calcium-fortified tofu, leafy green vegetables, and fish eaten with bones. The main natural source of vitamin D for the body remains exposure to sunlight. It is found in food, particularly in fatty fish, as well as in vitamin D-fortified products. If there is a suspicion of vitamin D deficiency, the need for supplements is best discussed with a doctor. ## Who Might Still Need Supplements The conclusions of the new study primarily apply to relatively healthy elderly individuals. There are several situations where additional intake of calcium or vitamin D may still be justified. Such groups include people with confirmed deficiencies of these substances, patients with osteoporosis or those taking medications for its treatment, elderly individuals in long-term care facilities, as well as patients with conditions that impair nutrient absorption, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel diseases. Supplements may also be needed after bariatric surgeries, with prolonged use of corticosteroids, limited sun exposure, or diets that do not allow for the necessary nutrients to be obtained from food. Therefore, individuals for whom calcium or vitamin D has already been prescribed by a doctor should not stop taking them based on the results of the new study. ## What Really Helps to Maintain Bone Health Simply taking calcium and vitamin D is not enough to prevent age-related bone problems. Protein plays a significant role, as it is necessary for maintaining both bone and muscle tissue. For elderly individuals, it is generally recommended to consume about **1–1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day**. Experts also advise against smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and regularly performing strength and balance exercises. The latter is especially important as it helps reduce the likelihood of falls. Equally important is making the home safe: removing tripping hazards, ensuring good lighting, and taking other measures to prevent falls. Thus, the new study does not indicate the uselessness of calcium and vitamin D. It shows something different: **taking these supplements "just in case" solely for the purpose of protecting against falls and fractures likely does not provide the effect that many healthy elderly individuals hope for.**
