Nutritional Supplements and Skeletal Health.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to assess the effects of calcium and vitamin D supplements on bone density and fracture risk, focusing on human studies.
Results Summary
Calcium and vitamin D supplements, when combined, reduce fracture risk, especially in populations with low intakes. The safety of these interventions at recommended intakes is supported by extensive analyses.
Population
Populations with low calcium and vitamin D intakes, particularly during aging.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Calcium and vitamin D supplements, in combination | decrease | fracture risk | populations with low intakes | - | reduce | #1 |
specific isoflavones | increase | bone density | - | - | may improve | #2 |
Multiple other nutrient supplements | increase | skeletal health | - | - | may benefit | #3 |
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Nutrition influences skeletal health throughout the lifespan, from the impact of maternal intakes during development, through the development of peak bone mass, to the rate of bone loss during aging. However, there are limited data available on the effects of nutritional supplements on bone density, let alone fracture risk. This review will assess the current literature, focusing on human studies, and emphasizing nutrients where bone density or fracture data are available. RECENT FINDINGS: Calcium and vitamin D supplements, in combination, reduce fracture risk, particularly in populations with low intakes. Extensive recent analyses have supported the safety of these interventions at recommended intakes. There is growing evidence that specific isoflavones may improve bone density although fracture data are lacking. Multiple other nutrient supplements may benefit skeletal health, but data are limited. The effect size of nutrient interventions are relatively small, requiring large sample sizes for trials with bone outcomes, may be difficult to blind, and the impact of supplementation may depend on baseline intake. However, nutrition is the only intervention that can be implemented life long and on a population wide basis. Further investigation is needed into the potential benefits of nutritional supplements to determine in which settings supplements may add benefit in addition to dietary intakes.