Calcium Supplementation Still Effective in Older People

Filed in archive Bone Health , Studies on September 6, 2007

If these findings (Lancet log-in required) are really true, then I shouldn't worry because calcium supplementation still works in older people thereby reducing their risk of bone fracture and bone loss.

Dr Benjamin Tang, University of Western Sydney, Sydney, Australia, and colleagues based their findings on a meta-analysis (a pooled analysis of previous trials) of 17 studies featuring 52625 people all aged over 50 years, with an average treatment time of 3.5 years.

They found that where the compliance rate was high (i.e. patients were sticking to the dosing regimen correctly), there was a 24% fracture risk reduction.

The study's authors conclude that calcium supplementation (alone or in combination with vitamin D) is effective in the preventive treatment of osteoporotic fracture.

This definitely is good news especially for the elderly adults. However, please take note that in order to benefit from the supplementation, full compliance is necessary.

Find more details from University of Western Sydney.