Study Says Vitamin D And Calcium Don't Prevent Falls—what Works Instead

Fact checked by Jennifer Klump

Key Takeaways

• A large meta-analysis of 69 clinical trials involving nearly 154,000 adults found that vitamin D and calcium supplements do not reduce falls or fractures for most adults.
• Some people, including those with vitamin D deficiency, osteoporosis, or limited sun exposure, may still benefit from supplementation.
• Experts recommend focusing on strength training, good nutrition, vision care, medication reviews, and fall prevention strategies to support long-term bone health.

Millions of adults take calcium and vitamin D supplements to help keep their bones healthy and strong as they age. The reasoning is straightforward: Calcium is essential for bone health, and vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium.

However, a new study suggests these supplements may not be as effective as many people believe. Researchers found that, for most healthy adults, calcium and vitamin D supplements provide little to no benefit for preventing falls and fractures.

What the Study Shows

Researchers analyzed data from 69 randomized controlled trials involving nearly 154,000 adults. They examined whether calcium, vitamin D, or a combination reduced the risk of falls and fractures in healthy adults.

Their findings, published in The BMJ in May 2026, showed that neither vitamin D nor calcium alone reduced the risk of fractures or falls. Similarly, when combined, the two supplements showed a slight reduction in fracture risk, but it wasn't large enough to be considered "clinically meaningful" for most people.

Most participants in the studies lived independently in the community and were not considered high-risk for fractures or falls. The results remained consistent even after researchers accounted for factors such as age, sex, previous fractures, previous falls, and dietary calcium intake.

The researchers concluded that the evidence does not support routine calcium or vitamin D supplementation for preventing falls and fractures in most adults.

Does This Mean You Should Stop Taking Vitamin D or Calcium?

While the findings point to little benefit from these supplements, that doesn't mean you should stop taking them altogether, according to Nneoma Oparaji, MD, MHS, ABOM, a triple board-certified physician in lifestyle medicine, obesity medicine, and internal medicine based in Houston, Texas.

"The takeaway isn't that all adults should stop taking calcium or vitamin D," said Oparaji.

Instead, Oparaji said the evidence suggests that a personalized approach to bone health is more effective than a one-size-fits-all strategy. Many people included in these studies may not have been deficient in vitamin D or calcium to begin with.

"Many participants are not deficient, and adding more is not necessarily better," said Oparaji. "Fractures are influenced by factors beyond nutrient intake, such as muscle strength, physical activity, and fall risk."

The findings align with previous studies showing that vitamin D and calcium supplements may offer little benefit for fall and fracture prevention in generally healthy older adults living independently.

Who May Still Benefit from Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements

Certain groups are still more likely to benefit from calcium or vitamin D supplementation, including people with:

• Vitamin D deficiency
• Osteoporosis
• Minimal sun exposure
• A history of fractures
• Long-term or frequent oral steroid use

If you fall into one of these groups and are considering starting or stopping a supplement, talk with a healthcare provider first. They can evaluate your risk factors and determine whether testing, dietary changes, medication, or supplementation may be appropriate.

Effective Ways to Prevent Falls and Fractures

In the United States, over 14 million older adults (ages 65 and older)—about 1 in 4—report falling each year. About 20% of those falls result in a serious injury, such as a fracture. Reducing fall risk is one of the most important ways to protect your bones and maintain independence as you age.

Experts say protecting your bones requires a broader approach than taking supplements.

"Bone health is built through movement, nutrition, and risk reduction—not solely by taking supplements," Oparaji said. "My recommendation is for patients to focus on the basics."

Those basics include:

• Resistance training: Strength-training exercises, such as weightlifting or bodyweight exercises, build muscle, improve balance, and help maintain bone strength.
• Supportive footwear: Properly fitting shoes with good grip and adequate support help reduce the risk of slipping or losing your balance.
• Prescription reviews: Some medications increase fall risk as a side effect. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to review your prescriptions.
• Vision checks: Poor vision is a major risk factor for falls. Regular eye exams can catch problems early.
• Nutrition: A balanced diet that includes protein, calcium-rich foods, and nutrients such as vitamin K, magnesium, and potassium benefits overall bone and muscle health.