Institute of Mineral Research

Life Sciences - Health & Wellness

  • Home
  • Open Access
  • Mineral Elements
  • Conditions A-Z
  • Submissions
  • About Us

Evidence that calcium supplements reduce fracture risk is lacking

Authors: Seeman E

Citation: Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2010 Jan;5 Suppl 1:S3-11
PMID : 20089500, Journal: Clin J Am Soc Nephrol, 5 Suppl 1,
Date created: 2010-01-21

Abstract

Credible evidence that calcium supplements reduce the risk of vertebral, nonvertebral, or hip fractures is lacking. Flaws in study design and execution such as inclusion of calcium-replete individuals, high dropout rates, and poor compliance preclude testing the hypothesis that calcium deficiency increases fracture rates or that calcium supplements reduce them. Intent-to-treat analyses of individual trials have failed to detect antifracture efficacy. Post hoc analyses of subgroups with a low calcium intake and per-protocol analyses of compliers have reported fewer fractures in the supplemented groups. However, this may be the result of confounding by violation of randomization; compliers to placebo have a lower morbidity and mortality than noncompliers. Higher hip fracture rates and cardiac mortality in patients receiving calcium supplements, as reported in some studies, may also be due to factors other than supplementation. Hypothesis testing requires that a cohort be stratified into calcium-deficient and calcium-replete groups, with each person randomized to a supplement or placebo. This design quantifies the risk of fracture attributable to calcium deficiency and any benefit that supplementation confers in the calcium-deficient and calcium-replete groups. To regard a calcium-deficient arm as unethical begs the question. Consensus statements that support the widespread use of calcium are opinion-based; they accept claims of beneficial effects despite flaws in study design, execution, and analysis; and they reject reported adverse effects because of them. Until well designed, well executed, and well analyzed studies demonstrate a net benefit in morbidity, mortality, and cost, recommendations supporting the widespread use of calcium supplementation remain belief-based and not evidence-based.

Related Articles

  • Calcium and Cardiovascular Disease
  • Intakes of potassium, magnesium, and calcium and risk of stroke
  • Health Risks and Benefits from Calcium and Vitamin D supplementation

Filed Under: Journal Publications Tagged With: bone fracture, Calcium

SEARCH

Silicon Biochemistry

Silicon as an Essential Trace Element in Animal Nutrition
Author: Edith Muriel Carlisle
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE (PDF)

Published in 1899

The Physiological Role of Mineral Nutrients

Author: Loew, Oscar, b. 1844 Volume: no.18 Subject: Plant physiology; Plants Assimilation; Minerals Publisher: Washington : G.P.O. Year: 1899 Possible … Read this book online

Most Recent Posts

  • Update on Nutrients Involved in Maintaining Healthy Bone
  • Lithium as a Nutrient
  • Does Potassium Deficiency Contribute to Hypertension in Children and Adolescents?
  • Iodine deficiency: Clinical implications.

View by Category

  • Clinical Trials / Studies
  • Elements
  • Journal Publications
  • Open Access
  • Seawater
  • Elements
  • Open Access
  • Journal Publications
  • Clinical Trials / Studies
About Us
About Open Access
For Authors
Our Contributors and Partners
Contact
Privacy
Terms & Conditions

Copyright ©2014 - 2018 Institute of Mineral Research