August 27, 2007 (Insidermedicine) Taking calcium supplements, especially in addition to vitamin D, significantly reduces the risk of breaking a bone in people over 50, according to a study published in The Lancet.

This is what we know about calcium and bone fractures:
•    Calcium is vital for healthy teeth and bones
•    It is estimated that 90% of women and 70% of children do not achieve the recommended dietary intake for calcium
•    Good sources of calcium include dairy foods, green leafy vegetables, fish, nuts and seeds, and calcium fortified products such as soymilk and breakfast cereals.

In the present study, researchers examined 17 studies involving more than 50,000 people over the age of 50 who were treated with calcium supplements alone or in combination with vitamin D. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is vital to bone formation and repair.

They found that in people who took supplements, the overall rate of bone fracture was 12% lower, and 24% lower when the dosing regiment was closely followed. As well, calcium doses over 1200 mg and vitamin D doses of 800 IU were more effective than lower doses. Finally, the benefit was greatest in the elderly, people who had a low bodyweight, had a low dietary calcium intake, or were generally at higher risk of fracture.

In a separate part of the study, the researchers reviewed 23 studies and found that calcium supplementation alone, or in combination with vitamin D, is effective at reducing the bone loss at the hip- as measured by a test called bone mineral density.

If you are not getting enough calcium in your diet, or at high risk of developing osteoporosis, you should talk to your doctor about adding calcium and vitamin D supplements to your diet. You should also avoid smoking, and engage in weight-bearing exercises to strengthen your bones and improve muscle strength.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.