Monterey, CA Government Researchers Question Whether Women Should Take Calcium And Vitamin D Supplements

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Many women take vitamin D and calcium to try and stave off bone loss and osteoporosis.  However, an influential government advisory panel issued a report yesterday saying that there is insufficient evidence to show that these over-the-counter supplements prevent bone fractures.  The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommended against the use of low or modest doses of the supplement because they believe that they may cause kidney stones.  This comes on the heels of recent reports stating that vitamin B6, vitamin B-12 and vitamin C don't deliver on all of their perceived benefits.  "I think the two biggest public health messages are to supplement calcium with diet and keep your weight down," Dr. Cliff Rosen, the past president of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, told the Wall Street Journal.  He did say that there is no harm in taking a 200-IU dose of vitamin D if you are over the age of 70 because it's difficult to get the recommended daily 600 IUs from food alone.  The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force left unchanged their recommendation that people over 65 exercise and take a vitamin D supplement.  So, if you are a senior, it's best to discuss the benefits and risks of nutritional supplements like vitamin D and calcium with your primary physician.

Please note that this blog reflects my personal opinion and may or may not reflect the opinion of Hands To Help Seniors and the individual members comprising the Board of Governors.