Have any supplements been studied for bone health?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Calcium and vitamin D have been extensively studied for their effect on bone health, and limited evidence supports the effectiveness of calcium supplements in reducing fracture risk. However, supplementation may provide small benefits for people with very low levels of these nutrients and older adults who are at higher risk for osteoporosis.

    Calcium and vitamin D have been extensively studied for their effect on bone health in a variety of populations. Although a diet that contains adequate calcium and vitamin D is important for bone health, there is little evidence that calcium supplements — administered with or without vitamin D — reduce the risk of fractures.[1] However, calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation may confer a small benefit to BMD and reduce fracture risk in two groups of people: those with extremely low baseline levels of calcium or vitamin D, and older adults who are at an increased risk of osteoporosis.[2]

    Other supplements that may affect bone health can be found in the Examine Database for bone health, below.

    Have any supplements been studied for bone health? - Examine