The Facts:
* 1,460 women aged 70 and over participated in a study to look at the effect of calcium supplements in reducing bone fractures.
* The number of fractures over a 5-year period was lower amongst women who took calcium (600mg twice daily) than those who took a placebo (dummy drug). Bone density was also greater in the group of patients taking the calcium supplement.
* The study showed that a key problem with this type of treatment was that only about half of the women took 80% or more of their tablets.
Shaun’s comment: It is well known that older females are prone to osteoporosis and fractures, and that increased calcium intake is very useful. What this huge study tells us is that adherence to treatment (i.e. taking the supplement every day) is very poor. The key messages are that calcium supplements have a very positive effect on maintaining bone density and reducing the chance of fractures, but only if they are taken regularly. One tip to remember is to keep the supplements next to your toothbrush – assuming that you clean your teeth regularly!
Study Reference:
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/166/8/869
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