Endocrinologist from Mainz provides information about calcium and vitamin D

A meta-analysis published in the American medical journal JAMA concludes that taking vitamin D or calcium supplements has no clearly demonstrable preventive effect on fractures caused by osteoporosis. Prof. Dr Dr h. c. Christian Wüster, an endocrinologist working in Mainz, points this out. Osteoporosis prophylaxis by taking calcium in combination with vitamin D supplements has been the subject of numerous randomised clinical studies in recent years. However, these scientific studies have produced contradictory results. The new meta-study has now even come to the conclusion that there was an increase in bone fractures after taking calcium.

Endocrinologist Prof Wüster: No clear picture of the effect on osteoporosis

Prof Wüster explains that existing literature reviews and meta-analyses do not provide a clear picture of the effects of calcium and vitamin D supplements on the progression of osteoporosis. Some studies came to the conclusion that the supposed prophylaxis led to an increased risk of bone fractures. The new meta-analysis that has now been carried out summarises the data from 33 randomised clinical trials.

It refers to data from more than 50,000 participants, adults over the age of 50. The studies in the meta-analysis compared the intake of calcium and/or vitamin D with a placebo.

Prevent osteoporosis with exercise and diet, advises Prof Wüster from Mainz

The new meta-analysis shows that calcium and/or vitamin D supplements do not influence the risk of bone fractures caused by osteoporosis. On the contrary: according to the author of the study, the risk of hip fractures actually increased by 53 per cent, although this result is not considered significant. At the same time, the meta-analysis shows that the intake of vitamin D also tended to lead to an increase in the rate of hip fractures. According to the meta-analysis, the combined use of both supplements does not indicate a significant effect either. The authors of the study therefore conclude that there is no reason to administer calcium or vitamin D to prevent osteoporosis, especially to older people. ‘The best osteoporosis prophylaxis is regular exercise in the fresh air and a healthy diet rich in calcium and protein,’ emphasises Prof. Dr Dr h. c. Wüster. ‘The difference between taking calcium supplements and eating a calcium-rich diet lies in the absorption of calcium via the intestines. This is significantly more favourable with a calcium-rich diet than with calcium supplements.’

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