Calcium, vitamin D, osteoporotic fracture, and bone loss in older adults:
Findings from a meta-analysis of 29 randomized trials in which calcium, or calcium in combination with vitamin D, was used to prevent osteoporotic fracture and bone loss in adults over 50 years of age support the use of calcium and vitamin D supplementation. Data analysis showed supplementation had resulted in a reduction of 12% in bone fractures of all types, and a 0.54% decrease in bone mineral density loss at the hip and 1.19% in the spine. In addition, a calcium dose of at least 1200 mg plus at least 800 IU of vitamin D were optimal to achieve maximum treatment effect. (9)