(Taiwan English News / Zhu Mingzhu Comprehensive Report) Vitamin D has long been considered to prevent calcium loss and the risk of fractures due to falls, but according to the medical journal “New England Journal of Medicine“The latest research points out that vitamin D supplementation cannot prevent fractures, causing heated discussions. In this regard, the Osteoporosis Society clarified that the research department believes that vitamin D supplementation is not recommended for the general public, but osteoporosis patients should still supplement sufficient calcium and vitamin D to prevent fractures.
In a new study published July 28 in the medical journal The New England Journal of Medicine, the research team tested whether vitamin D supplementation was more effective than a placebo in a five-year study and follow-up. The control group had a lower risk of fractures in healthy adults.It was found that vitamin D supplementation did not significantly reduce the risk of fractures in healthy older adults without osteoporosis
In this regard, the Osteoporosis Society of the Republic of China clarified that some people misinterpreted the research results and mistakenly thought that patients with osteoporosis did not need calcium and vitamin D supplementation. The research department concluded that vitamin D supplementation is not recommended for the general public, but not for patients with osteoporosis.
The Osteoporosis Society emphasizes that patients with osteoporosis should still supplement sufficient calcium and vitamin D to prevent fractures, and make the following four statements:
- For postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, the recommended daily calcium intake is at least 1200 mg. The recommended daily calcium intake for men with osteoporosis over the age of 50 is at least 1000 mg.The daily intake of vitamin D for all patients with osteoporosis is at least 800 IU (diet and supplements).
- Supplementing with adequate calcium and vitamin D at the same time can effectively reduce the risk of fractures. However, there is insufficient evidence that calcium supplementation alone or vitamin D supplementation alone is effective in reducing fracture risk.
- Excessive calcium intake (more than 1500 mg) does not produce additional benefitsand may have a potential risk of stones or cardiovascular disease.
- Calcium and vitamin D supplementation cannot replace drug therapy. Osteoporosis patients and patients with fragility fractures should receive anti-osteoporotic drug treatment and supplement with sufficient calcium and vitamin D at the same time.