Taking vitamin D is unlikely to prevent falls or fractures. Here's what it does

Vitamin D and calcium supplements offer no "net benefit" for the prevention of falls or fractures in older adults, according to a draft recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

"This doesn't mean that vitamin D and calcium are not useful overall for bone health and for other functions within the body," says Dr. Goutham Rao, emphasizing their importance despite limited impact on preventing fractures.

Prevalence studies suggest up to 40% of adults in the U.S. have insufficient levels of vitamin D in their blood, reflecting a significant public health concern.

The draft USPSTF recommendation is similar to the task force's previous conclusion, as more research has cast doubt on the usefulness of supplements to prevent age-related bone fractures.

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