A recent study has raised further questions about the effectiveness of calcium and vitamin D supplements in protecting bone health in older women. According to the findings, calcium and vitamin D may not offer the level of bone protection that many have believed. The optimal solution continues to be regular exercise.
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| Exercise helps older women increase bone density (Image: TTO) |
Using calcium and vitamin D only slightly reduces the risk of hip fractures in elderly women, but does not affect other fracture risks or colorectal cancer, according to the latest research conducted by the U.S. Women’s Health Initiative.
This study surveyed 36,000 postmenopausal women and found that a standard supplementation of calcium and vitamin D over seven years had no significant impact on preventing spinal, arm, or hip fractures, although it did improve pelvic bone density by 1%.
In a parallel study, researchers discovered that calcium and vitamin D also do not prevent colorectal cancer in women, despite previous studies suggesting that both men and women could reduce their risk of colorectal cancer by taking calcium supplements.
The latest research sends a clear message: calcium and vitamin D are not miracle solutions, but it is still important to ensure daily intake. Additionally, it is essential to know that there are other effective methods to increase bone density, such as weight-bearing exercises and prescription medications.
T.VY (According to Xinhua)
