A systematic review analyzing data from 154,000 older adults has produced sobering evidence regarding the fracture prevention efficacy of calcium and vitamin D supplements. Despite widespread clinical adoption and billions spent annually on these interventions, the pooled analysis demonstrates minimal protective benefit against fractures or falls for most older adult populations. This finding is particularly striking given that supplementation rates remain high globally—78 percent of adults aged 65 and older in North America use calcium or vitamin D supplements. The data challenges long-standing clinical recommendations and suggests that current universal supplementation strategies may warrant significant reassessment. Healthcare providers must now evaluate whether these investments deliver meaningful clinical value or whether alternative, evidence-based approaches to bone health should take precedence in clinical practice guidelines.
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