Can vitamin D supplementation improve bone health or prevent bone loss?

    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Low circulating vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations have been associated with bone health outcomes including an increased risk of falls and low bone mineral density in some populations, suggesting that low vitamin D levels are a risk factor for osteoporosis.[1]

    A recent statement from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force concluded that the current evidence is insufficient to conclude a benefit of vitamin D or calcium supplementation on fracture prevention in men and women who do not have a known vitamin D deficiency, osteoporosis, or prior fracture.[2][3] However, some studies have found that vitamin D — especially when combined with calcium supplementation — can increase bone mineral density and reduce the risk of fractures and falls in certain populations.[1]

    References

    1. ^Cranney A, Horsley T, O'Donnell S, Weiler H, Puil L, Ooi D, Atkinson S, Ward L, Moher D, Hanley D, Fang M, Yazdi F, Garritty C, Sampson M, Barrowman N, Tsertsvadze A, Mamaladze VEffectiveness and safety of vitamin D in relation to bone health.Evid Rep Technol Assess (Full Rep).(2007-Aug)
    2. ^Moyer VA,Vitamin D and calcium supplementation to prevent fractures in adults: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.Ann Intern Med.(2013-May-07)
    3. ^Kahwati LC, Weber RP, Pan H, Gourlay M, LeBlanc E, Coker-Schwimmer M, Viswanathan MVitamin D, Calcium, or Combined Supplementation for the Primary Prevention of Fractures in Community-Dwelling Adults: Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.JAMA.(2018-04-17)