Calcium and vitamin D only helpful to prevent some fractures in elderly women
18 February 2006
by Richard
Conan-Davies
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Supplements of calcium and vitamin D may only prevent hip fractures but no other kinds of fractures or colorectal cancer for healthy postmenopausal women, according to medical researchers at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Dr. Norman L. Lasser, a preventive cardiologist explained that "This clinical trial provides guidance for postmenopausal women on the risks and benefits of diet supplementation with vitamin D and calcium," "The overall results suggest that women over age 60 should consider taking vitamin D to preserve bone mass, but they should not expect these supplements to help prevent colorectal cancer." The study over a seven-year period involved 36,282 postmenopausal women between the ages of 50 and 79. It showed that 1 percent of the women who took the vitamin supplements had higher hip bone density compared to those taking the placebo. |
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Original press release from University of Medicine and Denistry of New Jersey
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