Daily Times

Taking vitamin D pills does not strengthen bones or stop fractures, researchers claimed on Monday.

Health chiefs have previously advised adults and children to consider taking vitamin D supplements over winter to avoid bone problems.

But a new major study said the pills do not prevent fractures or improve bone mineral density.

The authors, who combined the results of 81 previous studies, said there is “little justification” in recommending the supplements to maintain or improve musculoskeletal health.

The report said the sole advantage of taking vitamin D was to reduce the risk of rare conditions such as rickets and osteomalacia, but only in high-risk groups of people who get little sunlight exposure.

Dr Mark Bolland, of the University of Auckland said, “Our meta-analysis finds that vitamin D does not prevent fractures, falls or improve bone mineral density, whether at high or low dose. Clinical guidelines should be changed to reflect these findings.”

Published in Daily Times, October 9^th 2018.