USPSTF: Postmenopausal Women Shouldn't Take Calcium and Vitamin D to Prevent Fractures

By Kelly Young

Postmenopausal women should not take supplementary calcium (1000 mg or less) and vitamin D (400 IU or less) to prevent fractures, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says in a new recommendation published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

The task force says that supplementation at these doses doesn't reduce primary fracture risk, while it does pose a small increased risk for renal stones.

The group concluded that there is not enough evidence to make recommendations for or against higher doses of calcium and vitamin D or for men or premenopausal women.

Marion Nestle and Malden Nesheim conclude in an editorial: "While we wait for the results of further research, the USPSTF's cautious, evidence-based advice should encourage clinicians to think carefully before advising calcium and vitamin D supplementation for healthy individuals."