Vitamin D supplements fail to lower risk of fractures in midlife and among elderly: NEJM

VITAL was a two-by-two factorial, randomized, controlled trial that examined whether supplemental vitamin D3 (2000 IU per day), n−3 fatty acids (1 g per day), or both would prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer in men aged 50 years or older and women aged 55 years or older in the US. The recruitment of the particionats was done on the basis of vitamin D deficiency, osteoporosis, or low bone mass. Using annual questionnaires, incident fractures reported by participants was noted and adjudicated by centralized medical-record review. 

Incident total, nonvertebral, and hip fractures were the primary end points. The treatment effect in intention-to-treat analyses was estimated using Proportional-hazards models. 

The researchers conclude, "Vitamin D3 supplementation did not lead to a significantly lower risk of fractures than placebo among generally healthy midlife and older adults who were not selected for vitamin D deficiency, low bone mass, or osteoporosis."

Reference:

The study titled, "Supplemental Vitamin D and Incident Fractures in Midlife and Older Adults," was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. 

DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2202106