The majority of older adults should not rely on calcium and vitamin D supplements to prevent falls and fractures, according to a national panel of health experts. This could cause more harm than benefit, such as an increased risk of kidney stones.

Calcium and vitamin D – a nutrient that helps your body absorb calcium – are essential for building strong, healthy bones. However, in supplement form, there is little evidence to suggest they can help older people, including postmenopausal women and men over 60, avoid falls and fractures, the task force said. Preventive Services Commission (USPSTF) in a press release. draft recommendation published on December 17.

Falls are the leading cause of injuries among older adults. They can lead to fractures, which can impact a person’s independence and quality of life. They can also have more serious, even fatal, consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 39,000 adults ages 65 and older died from falls in 2021, or about 100 fall-related deaths per day.

The risk of falls and fractures increases with age, due to a number of factors, including worsening hearing and vision, as well as illnesses and medications that can affect balance, says the National Institute on Aging.

“Preventing older adults from falling and breaking a bone is important for their health and independence,” said John M. Ruiz, a task force member and professor of clinical psychology in the psychology department at the University of California. ‘Arizona, in a press release. “Unfortunately, when we reviewed the latest evidence, we found that taking vitamin D with or without calcium does not prevent falls or fractures in older adults. We therefore do not recommend these supplements for people who do not take them for other medical reasons.”

The group’s draft recommendation applies to people who live at home, not those living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. It also does not apply to people who are taking vitamin D or calcium for other medical reasons, or who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency, or another medical condition affecting the how they absorb vitamin D.

According to a federal investigation, calcium and vitamin D are two of the most commonly used supplements in the elderly.

How to prevent falls and fractures

The good news, says Goutham Rao, MD, a task force member and director of the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at University Hospitals Health System, is that there are ways for adults to maintain good bone health as they age.

“The task force recommends other effective prevention services related to falls and fractures, including osteoporosis screening in women and structured exercise programs to prevent falls in older adults who are at increased risk fall,” Rao said in a statement.

Women 65 and older should be screened for osteoporosis; Screening is recommended earlier for some women with certain risk factors.