Fracture supplements “ineffective”, says University of York research
Posted on 29 April 2005
A study by the York Trials Unit (YTU) in the University’s Department of Health Sciences, published in this week's BMJ, finds no evidence that calcium and vitamin D supplements reduce the risk of fractures in older women.
It is one of the biggest exercises of its type ever undertaken and is the latest in a series of large-scale trials mounted by the Department. Other trials have examined topics ranging from the treatment of back pain to the use of maggots to treat leg ulcers.
From primary care clinics, the researchers identified 3,314 women aged 70 and over who were at high risk of hip fracture. The women were split into two groups, one of which received advice from a practice nurse on how to reduce the risk of fracture as well as being given daily calcium and vitamin D tablets. The other group received only a leaflet on diet and prevention of falls.
All the women were monitored for an average of two years during which time, fracture rates were lower than expected but did not differ significantly between the groups. There was no evidence that supplements reduced the risk of fractures or falling, or improved quality of life.
The Director of YTU, Professor David Torgerson, who led the research, said: “There is no conclusive evidence that calcium and vitamin D supplements, which can be prescribed or obtained ‘over the counter’ at pharmacies, are effective in reducing fractures for people living in the community.
“While they have been shown to reduce hip fractures among older women living in nursing homes, that may be because patients in residential care spend less time outdoors than people living in their own homes – and sunlight is the principal source of vitamin D.”
Putting this study in the context of other trials, the researchers conclude that calcium and vitamin D supplementation are unlikely to be an effective intervention by primary care teams for reducing fractures.
Notes to editors:
• Randomised controlled trial of vitamin supplementation with calcium and cholecalciferol (vitamin D) for prevention of fractures in primary care can be found in BMJ Volume 330, pp 1003-6. For more information on BMJ, contact Emma Dickinson 0207-383-6529.• The trial was restricted to women as they are at a greater risk of osteoporosis than men.
• The York Trials Unit (YTU), within the Department of Health Sciences at the University of York, has been established to undertake and support high quality randomised trials (RCTs), the best study design for assessing effectiveness. YTU carries out rigorous trials to inform best clinical practice and policy.
• Health Sciences is a large multi-disciplinary department, offering a broad range of taught and research programmes in the health care field, including nursing and midwifery. It aims to develop the role of evidence in health and health care through high quality research, teaching and other forms of dissemination. Teaching focuses on skills in a range of the broad health sciences as well as in more specific clinical knowledge and skills relevant to professionals working in health-related sectors.